Music therapy for dementia by Brandon Schwab, Shepherd Premier Senior Living

Music entertains and relaxes us.

We use it as motivation and to ward off boredom at the gym. We also use it on our commute to and from work, hoping it has a calming effect during rush hour. It’s difficult to imagine life without music and now it’s being used as a powerful tool for those suffering from Alzheimer’s and other dementia.

According to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, “Music has power—especially for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. And it can spark compelling outcomes even in the very late stages of the disease. When used appropriately, music can shift mood, manage stress-induced agitation, stimulate positive interactions, facilitate cognitive function, and coordinate motor movements.”

Studies have shown that many of those stricken with Alzheimer’s disease still are capable of remembering songs from their past. In fact, many remember certain songs well enough that they can sing along to them even when they are at advanced stages of the disease. While they may not be able to remember their own family and friends, they often can remember certain music and songs.

Because of the success of music, many senior retirement communities that offer specialized Alzheimer’s care are using it as part of its caregiving and recreational programming.

There has even been some growing evidence in recent years that by listening to music, some seemingly lost memories come back, while some aspects of cognitive functioning are maintained.

The ability to share emotions is one of the things that those with Alzheimer’s lose as the disease progresses. By incorporating music into one’s life, it’s not uncommon for some emotions to still be able to be shared.

While it’s not a cure for the disease, there’s no doubt that music therapy is good medicine and a welcome addition in helping those suffering.

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What is Assisted Living?

What is Assisted Living?

What is an Assisted Living establishment anyhow? One of the biggest differences is that, in an Assisted Living setting, you or your loved one will often share a home with others. This is a means of defraying the costs of providing this higher level of care by sharing the costs among more than one senior. This brings up a key factor that we’ll cover later – the Caregiver-to-Resident Ratio.

Choosing an Assisted Living setting makes sense if you require a higher level of care than is reasonable in an Independent Living arrangement. Inevitably, this will require the sacrifice of some independence. Since most living in this level of senior housing no longer drive, that creates a rather obvious change in lifestyle. But, your spirit can survive intact if you choose a quality Assisted Living Home (see the next chapter) and you approach the experience with a positive attitude. It’s much easier to maintain a positive attitude if you do a better job of choosing an Assisted Living Home. The home should make it easier to be upbeat and cheerful while helping to keep life’s difficulties manageable.

Choosing the wrong Assisted Living arrangement can land a senior in an unhealthy environment that does more to suppress their spirit than to embrace their individuality and nurture their dignity. That kind of negative environment can also have bad repercussions for the senior’s health. Living in such an arrangement is often stressful and stress is not good for the health. Once again, it’s essential that you choose wisely once you’ve determined this is the appropriate level of senior housing and care for you or your loved one.

What are the characteristics and services you can expect to find in an Assisted Living setting?
• Generally, you or your loved one will share a home with other seniors • You’ll often live in an apartment building setting, though an Assisted Living setting in a renovated single-family home often proves a far superior option • 24/7 care should be available (the expertise provided in this regard is an essential point we’ll cover in the next chapter) • Regular and scheduled Nursing Visits • Transportation to medical appointments • Administration of medications • Rehab and Fitness programs 21
• Transportation for shopping and activities • Daily meal preparation • Housekeeping and Laundry services • Social activities • Crafts and other individual activities
The more you or your loved ones are able to embrace the social activities that are provided in an assisted living setting, the more likely you’ll find the experience rewarding and fulfilling. If you keep the body moving, the mind should follow. On the other hand, if you keep your mind engaged, you’ll find that you’re more inclined to stay active. And keeping the mind and body active may help to forestall the need for the next level of senior housing and care.

Learn more at www.Shepherd360Tour.com 224 333 6247

Memory Care & Housing

Memory Care and Housing

  

 At each level, the ability to comfortably settle in is increasingly challenged. In a Memory Care senior home, the reliance on others to help with daily activities increases and it is increasingly incumbent on others to assist in the maintenance of your independence. At this level, you, or your loved one, need to stay active while others help. For those caregivers, it’s essential that they don’t lose sight of the importance of your dignity. The level of Memory Care that is required, from the onset of dementia to Alzheimer’s, will determine how much assistance is required. It’s imperative 22 to find a Memory Care home that has the experience and skills to help someone with memory loss while not losing sight of the resident’s dignity. Often, Memory Care housing will find seniors with degrees of dementia or Alzheimer’s living on a dedicated wing of a nursing home. This is a more traditional setting. It’s also, traditionally, less personal with a higher ratio of residents to each caregiver. Fortunately, positive changes are afoot in the area of Memory Care housing. Some with dementia or, even, Alzheimer’s are now finding semi-private apartments and private rooms in apartments and individual homes. This is usually in a secure setting with planned activities that fi t the interests and abilities of the seniors in the home. While the setting for Memory Care is vitally important, the quality of the services provided in this setting is absolutely essential. You’ll want to know that those providing the care have the experience and training to ensure the safety of the residents they serve. The care and characteristics of a Memory Care home will usually include: • Private or Semi-Private rooms in nursing homes, apartments and single-family style homes • Daily meal preparation • Housekeeping and Laundry services • Physical therapy and fitness programs • Medication Administration and Management • 24-hour professional care • Regular nursing and doctor visits as prescribed • Transportation to and from medical appointments • Social programs • Crafts and other activities • Memory Care fitness programs • Field Trips and transportation to and from hair and beauty spas, etc. Once you’ve identified the level of senior housing that best fits you or your loved one, it’s time to start looking at individual homes. The next chapter while help you choose a particular home where you can successfully and happily transition to senior living.

Check out www.Shepherd360Tour.com 224 333 6247 

New Whiteboard Video for Shepherd Premier Senior Living by Brandon Schwab