If you could have one moment back with a cherished loved one, how much would it be worth to you?
For families of those living with diseases like dementia and Alzheimer’s, one moment of connection with their loved is one worth more than many of us can imagine.
At Loch Lomond Villa Foundation, we’re doing everything we can to make more moments happen for our residents and their loved ones. That’s why programs like Music Therapy are so important, and so in need of your support.
I’d like to share with you a story of the miracle of music. It’s the sort of story we see unfolding every day in our Music Therapy Program, and why we’re convinced that Music Therapy is a sound investment for your donation, that will help to improve the quality of life for all of our residents and their loved ones:
“My mom used to tell me stories of when she was a little girl – about the dances she’d go to, and the music she’d listen to. Now, she only makes sounds – cries, really – like she’s lost, or frightened. I miss her so much, and I feel so helpless.
I was visiting with mom one day, when a caregiver asked if I would like them to offer her Music Therapy. She said listening to music can have a therapeutic effect on people with degenerative brain disorders like my mom has. I looked at my mom’s eyes and wondered if she could hear anything that was happening.
Quietly, one of the accredited music therapists asked what kind of music my mom liked. “Edelweiss from The Sound of Music.” I whispered, choking back the lump in my throat. Can you play Edelweiss? Mom used to sing it to me. I watched as she scrolled through the music on a small iPod. “That’s a popular request.” She turned the tiny device in my direction. Shall we play it for her?” She started up the song and gently placed headphones over mom’s ears. “Music is the single activity that reaches multiple parts of the brain,” she explained.
“In the case of a disease like Alzheimer’s, because music accesses more parts of the brain, it has more of a chance to reach the parts that are still working. Music can be stored in so many different areas of the brain – the emotional side, the cognitive side, even motor or the physical aspects of the brain, so that’s why music has more of a chance to reach these people.”
“I usually give it 20 minutes to see if the resident will respond…”
But I had stopped listening. I was watching my mom as she began to wave her hand ever so slightly to the music, it still resting on her lap.
Tears streamed down my cheeks. Joyful tears! I knew exactly what mom was doing! She was directing the music, just like she used to do when I was a little girl and she was teaching me a new song. I blinked and ignored the tears running down my face. In that moment, the vibrant woman I used to know returned – even if it was just a glimpse.
I’m so grateful for the moment of connection we had that day, and more on the days that followed, with the help of music.”
There are countless stories like this happening in our community because of the therapeutic benefits of music. And with your help, this therapeutic and recreational program can continue, ensuring more residents and their families have more moments together.
It may seem simple, someone moving or tapping along to music, but that little action shows an increase in the person’s quality of life. For many of our residents, listening to music was a social event involving sitting around the radio, or around the piano, or going to church. Tapping or singing along to music helps connect our residents to the world around them. And for their families, those simple actions help them remember who their loved one used to be, and bring them moments of joy they can cherish together.
It costs about $30,000 each year to run the Music Therapy program. Thankfully, because of caring people like you, residents and their families can enjoy Music Therapy and other important quality of life programs. Your generous donation today will:
• Help keep our accredited music therapist and our music therapy program running to assist our recreation and nursing staff in providing care.
• Purchase music that is specific to residents’ interests and histories.
• Cover the costs of purchasing equipment like iPods and headphones.
• Fund the expense of bringing in live musical entertainment for residents to enjoy together in small and large social group settings.
You can help make ‘more moments together’ happen for residents and their families and give the miracle of music this holiday season. Please “click Here” to make an easy and online donation to Loch Lomond Villa Foundation today.
With sincere gratitude,
Georgie Day
Volunteer Board Chair
Loch Lomond Villa Foundation
