One year ago – in January 2024 – your support allowed us to begin funding music therapy for Capitol Lakes residents. Throughout 2024 Every Voice Music Services led music and reminiscence sessions for residents living with dementia as well as community drumming groups for any interested resident. These sessions were held at least twice a month for Assisted Living, Health Center, and even some Independent Living residents.
In the music and reminiscence group, therapists use music as a way to evoke memories and jump start conversation, strengthening connections in the brain. One of our music therapists shared the following:
“There are normally a few songs where every single resident has been singing along loudly and then they become engaged in conversation about happy memories, including their travels, and day-to-day memories with their spouses and families. One resident told me, ‘this is my favorite group!’”
Therapists in the community drumming group use music movement to improve gross and fine motor skills. But just because this therapy provides physical benefits doesn’t mean it’s not fun.
Recreational Therapy Director, Dawn Vandre, reveals this story:
“One of my favorite experiences pertains to a resident who loved all kinds of music. But with increasingly low vision and living with advanced dementia, he had a challenging time connecting with his environment and other people. When we were able to bring a drumming group to Capitol Lakes, with a trained music therapist, I saw an instant positive response. As soon as he got ahold of that drum and mallet, he immediately was on the beat with the biggest smile I had ever seen on his face. His joy returned as he was able to exercise his body, mind, and soul once again.”
Your support is also helping train the next generous of music therapists. We’ve been pleased to welcome several students to Capitol Lakes in the last year, working under the tutelage of Every Voice Music Services. Their ability to come here and learn not only benefits our residents in the moment, but will have a positive impact on our larger community in the years to come.
Thanks to you, music therapy made a profound difference in the lives of our residents in 2024 and is poised to continue in 2025. Together, we truly do enhance the living experience.
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