Delaware’s Department of Health and Social Services is exploring how music from an Alzheimer patient’s past can enhance their memory and quality of life.
In a few weeks, several Delaware long-term care facilities will be exploring connections between music and memory, using a program called “Music & Memory Program” to support individuals with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.
Social Services chief administrator Renee Purzycki said it’s a different type of program for long-term care facilities because most are group-focused in the activities they offer.
“Not everyone can work well in activities like large activities, so something that is more person-centered - that’s the thrust now in nursing homes - is to do things that are more person-centered,” Purzycki said.
Long term care facilities in the First State will explore the healing power of music by giving participants iPods with songs selected by their family members.
“So we’ll interview family members and say ‘what did your mom or dad or aunt or uncle enjoy listening to as they were growing up, or when they were in their fifties or sixties. They’ll give us information so we can do a specific playlist for that person.”
Though music might already be played in these facilities, they’re not necessarily tailored to the individual person’s tastes, going along with the idea for more personalized care, Purzycki said.
“They may have music in nursing homes but it may not be specific to what someone likes,” Purzycki said. “Someone might say ‘oh my mom always loved Elvis Presley but we don’t hear any Elvis Presley here.’”
Purzycki said staff members will monitor participants’ behavior, engagement in activities and agitation.
“We’re hoping that some of the issues that you sometimes see with folks being combative, agitated, scared, that it will reduce that kind of anxiety and behavior and will optimize them to reach their highest level of functioning,” she said.
Just over $30,000 in federal funds will allow the Music & Memory Program to launch in 10 long-term care facilities across the First State. The Department of Health and Social Services wants to take it to the state’s other 40 skilled nursing homes as more funding becomes available
Purzycki said she expects the program to launch in time for the holidays in December.
