Meet Trish, a participant in the Music & Memory program at the Dementia Care and Education Campus in Phoenix, Arizona—a true ball of sunshine. Trish has diverse musical tastes, but her absolute favorite is Andy Williams. Just mentioning his name or showing his picture brings a warm smile to her face. Trish has always been a dancer, and even as her disease progresses, she continues to express that passion, albeit in different ways. You can often find her clapping or tapping her toes to her favorite songs.
Sometimes, Trish becomes agitated, particularly after meals in the busy dining room. Offering her individualized music allows her to shift focus to something familiar, comforting, and organized, rather than the unpredictable environment around her. As soon as the music starts, her attention shifts immediately, and her physical response to the rhythm is infectious.
There are many older adults, like Trish, who benefit every day from having access to their favorite music. It enhances their quality of life, restores their sense of identity and connection to others, and provides a foundation for having as much comfort, pleasure, meaning and well-being in their days as possible.
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