Old Colony Elder Services announces 'Music & Memory' pilot program

BROCKTON/PLYMOUTH - Many people with dementia respond very positively to music. Music helps them to feel good and calm, and this in turn helps their caregivers. Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the non-profit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout greater Plymouth County, has announced an exciting new pilot program for family caregivers of a loved one with Alzheimer's or dementia, called Music & Memory.

OCES is now certified as a provider of Music & Memory personalized music program. Music & Memory was created by a non-profit organization that has conducted extensive research about the benefits of music. They have demonstrated that individualized playlists enhance the music experience for people with Alzheimer's and dementia even more.

How the Program Works

OCES' Family Caregiver Support Program will work with family caregivers of a loved one with Alzheimer's or dementia to develop playlists for their loved one and provide an iPod shuffle with a minimum of 100 songs, headsets, and training on how to use the iPod.

OCES' Music & Memory program is funded by a grant, which enabled them to purchase all of the necessary equipment and train their staff for the program. OCES is offering this program on a limited basis to caregivers of adults of any age with Alzheimer's disease or related dementias.

According to the Music & Memory website, "Favorite music or songs associated with important personal events can trigger memory of lyrics and the experience connected to the music. Beloved music often calms chaotic brain activity and enables the listener to focus on the present moment and regain a connection to others."

"Research has shown there is a brain-music connection and that there are many benefits to personalized therapeutic music," explained Christine McLaren of OCES. "We are excited to offer this special program to family caregivers and hope to roll-out the program on a larger scale early next year."

Music & Memory Program Volunteers Needed

To further expand the program, OCES is seeking support through donations as well as volunteers to help catalogue and download songs to iPods.

Family caregivers and volunteers looking to learn more about this program may contact Christine McLaren of OCES at cmclaren@ocesma.org or call 508-584-1561 x309.

About Music & Memory

OCES is part of the network of Music & Memory certified organizations. Music & Memory is a non-profit organization that brings personalized music into the lives of the elderly or infirm through digital music technology, vastly improving quality of life. To learn more, visit https://musicandmemory.org