MUSIC   (back)

It's probably fair to say that every single person enjoys some form of music.  Music is a part of life.  Whether you are listening to the radio, playing your favorite CD, singing church hymns, attending a concert, enjoying a musical, or taking a walk outside to listen to the songbirds, you are always surrounded by music.  Maybe you've even seen the amazing performance by STOMP?  These talented folks have turned common, every day items like trash can lids and metal stair railings into instrumental gold! 

As a person develops dementia, interest in the arts and music is not always profoundly affected by the disease.  People often enjoy and appreciate rhythms, beats, harmonies, "a capella" singing and instrumental music. The ability to converse and articulate thoughts and opinions might change, but music can be a way of communicating until the very end.

As caregivers it becomes our job to provide this outlet.  A person with dementia often loses the ability to initiate activities, so our role as leader becomes crucial.  Create the environment and set the scene.  Design a room full of possibilities: 

-         Use a stereo for playing tapes or CDs

-         Set up a keyboard for people who enjoy playing piano

-         Have small easy to use instruments like shakers, a recorder, wooden flute, hand drum

-         Fill a basket full of beautiful scarves to wave through the air (exercise)

-         Involve volunteers who play instruments like guitar, piano, harp, etc.

-         Involve groups of children that sing in local choirs

-         Create song books from the 20s and 30s

-         Find videos of choirs singing classical favorites

-         Use old familiar hymnals

Singing old traditional hymns together like Amazing Grace, Old Rugged Cross and How Great Thou Art sparks unbelievable moments.  Because religion is so engrained, those with dementia are often able to sing along with these songs well into the disease.

Studies are currently being done to understand the affects of string instruments on the brain, and the research shows this music lowers blood pressure and calms the heart rate.  Do you know anyone who plays the guitar?  If not, try sitting with someone at a restless point in the day and listen to soothing classical music.

DANCE

 
Movements are as eloquent as words.    -         Isadora Duncan


Dance is, by far, one of the most powerful ways to connect to a person who has dementia.  Whether you are in 100% physical shape or sitting in a wheelchair, able to communicate clearly with words or not, dance awakens the spirit.

We all have many needs.  Dancing meets our physical needs (exercise), our emotional needs (touch and connection with another person), and our mental needs (blood flow to the brain encouraging sharper thinking). 

Many caregivers tell us, "Oh I can't dance!"  But the truth is we all are capable of feeling music and rhythm...the issue is whether we choose to let our guard down to have some fun. The question is not,  "Can you dance?"  The question is,  "Will you dance?"  And as a caregiver, will you create this opportunity for people who have dementia?

How you dance is up to the two of you! Will it be the West Coast Swing,  East Coast Swing, Foxtrot, Jitterbug, Tango, Merengue, Country Line Dancing, Rumba,  Samba, Salsa, Cha Cha Cha, Waltz, Interpretive, Modern or just plain made up?

Truth is it doesn't matter.

Pick one and watch the moment come to life!