“It helped us realize that they are confused, anxious, worried, and scared a lot of the time,” they explained. “With proper words and music, we can help residents feel seen and heard.” For BrookLynne and Jordan, the project reinforced the powerful role compassion plays in caregiving, and the unique ability music has to unlock memories and emotions. “Music and dance are a universal language,” they said. “It’s special to see music make past connections to past memories in the brain.” Their dedication and findings ultimately earned second place when they presented their project before teachers, peers, and the Lebanon medical board. But for the students, the recognition was never the true reward. “To us it was way more than a project,” they shared. “It was helping people we love and care for each day.” As graduation approaches, both young women are preparing for futures centered around service and healthcare. Jordan plans to pursue respiratory therapy through Ozarks Technical Community College and Missouri State University, while BrookLynne plans to serve a mission in Brazil before attending nursing school. Though their paths may lead them in different directions, the lessons they learned at Cedarhurst —about compassion, connection,
One resident interaction profoundly impacted both young caregivers.
The resident, who was living with late-stage dementia, rarely spoke about his family and had not mentioned them in years. Initially, the music selections did not appear to spark a response. Determined to connect with him, BrookLynne and Jordan looked deeper into his personal history and discovered he had served in the Army.
They decided to play a classic Army medley.
“During this time, he marched his feet in place and had his hands waving to the music in the air,” they recalled. “After the song was played, we asked him, ‘What is your wife’s name?’ He quickly replied with confidence, ‘Helen.’”
Later, the family confirmed that Helen was indeed his wife’s name.
and the healing power of music—will remain with them for years to come.
“This moment brought us to tears of joy to see music intervention work in real time,” they said. “This moment has stuck with us and will continue to make an impact on our lives.” Throughout the project, the students noticed clear differences in residents before and after the music sessions. Many residents who appeared anxious or unsettled beforehand became calmer and more engaged once the music began.
“The residents seemed to be calmer and their anxieties lessened,” they shared.
The experience also gave the students a deeper understanding of the emotional realities many individuals living with dementia face each day.
CEDARHURST SENIOR LIVING | SUMMER FLOURISH 2026 31
Made with FlippingBook - Online catalogs