A NEW CONVERSATION
continue to ask questions, such as ‘What did you have for lunch?’ Or ‘Did you enjoy the activity?’” she says. “They may also give long explanations which will likely frustrate or even agitate a person with dementia. Sadly, loved ones may give up, walk away, or stop visiting. Music is one strategy that may help overcome these challenges.” Lisa and Heather both hope to spread the hopeful information that music can connect people to their loved ones with memory issues. “It’s all about educating,” Lisa says. “It’s important that we never stop teaching and we never stop learning. Change when you need to change, but keep what’s working. That’s how you make sure you’re doing your best for each person, and that’s what everyone deserves.” If you know someone who is struggling with the challenges of dementia, Providence can help. Join us for one of our Alzheimer’s Support Groups.
Lisa leads a Memory Care music activity with enthusiastic residents.
hospice patient who was in his last days singing along with a hymn in perfect pitch while she played in his doorway. “You just have to be in the moment with each person,” she says. Heather encourages music to play a key role in the treatment plans and daily activities of all residents. “I’ve watched the way music can build connections between people,” she says. “Once I sat next to a resident and attempted to engage in conversation, but it was soon apparent that she had lost the ability to hold a conversation.” Heather noticed a snowman decoration nearby and Christmas
music playing softly. “I started singing ‘Frosty the Snowman’ and she joined in right away. We smiled and sang Christmas songs together for some time. The pressure of a conversation was replaced by a delightful musical engagement. I found out later that she was a singer in her younger years. Now, here she was, demonstrating her strength and reconnecting with her identity.” Heather explains that when a person with dementia is losing cognitive skills required for typical conversation (logic, reasoning, verbal skills, etc.) many loved ones don’t know what to do. “With good intentions, family and friends
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18 PROVIDENCE MAGAZINE | Issue No. 1
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