“Music & Memory” Provides a Meaningful Experience for St. Ann’s Residents

Thanks to the ladies of Naomi Circle at First Presbyterian Church of Pittsford for collecting and donating iPods to support our Music & Memory program! St. Ann’s Recreation Therapist Jamie Barbara talked with them recently about the program, which provides iPods loaded with familiar music to residents with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. Forty percent of residents on St. Ann’s Special Care Unit use their personalized iPods on a daily basis.

Jamie explained that the iPods allow residents who may not participate in other activities to have a meaningful experience. Listening to music that’s familiar and soothing can trigger singing, movement, and memories. It also combats boredom and loneliness and can help calm residents who are agitated. Jamie shared a sensory doll with an iPod Shuffle in its pocket to show one way in which the iPods are used.