Alzheimer’s is the most common form of dementia, causing memory to fade. It becomes difficult to retain information. People affected by Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia are mostly 65 or older. Dementia usually worsens over time.
Music is shown to have a positive effect on people who have dementia and thus it’s a common activity at Assisted Living communities. It helps the residents retrieve their memory, and makes the resident happy and able to reminisce. Many residents remember the words and sing along.
Ellen, the Country Cottage Director from The Chelsea at Bridgewater says, “Music absolutely plays a huge roll in memory care. Rhythm and song are retained in the right side of the brain and have emotional and behavioral benefits. In our Cottage, patriotic music is very popular. Residents frequently ask to sing God Bless America. This song has become the most successful way to redirect and reengage our residents while it allows for more conversation about why they are proud to be American and lets them reminisce through their childhood of growing up here.”
Many residents perk up when listening to music. Music gets stored as long-term memory, also known as automatic memory. This memory is the same as when learning to ride a bike and tying your shoes. This is how we are able to memorize lyrics so well.
At Chelsea Senior Living we take pride in our approach to caring for residents with dementia. Our trained staff gives our Country Cottage residents 24/7 attention with specially designed activities including music therapy, customized care plans and a separate dining room, all under the supervision of a registered nurse or Certified Dementia Practitioner.
