According to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, music has a profound effect on people with Alzheimer’s because “rhythmic and other well-rehearsed responses require little to no cognitive or mental processing.” With that in mind, BrightStar Care of Wellington/Palm Beach, a home care agency that also provides medical staffing solutions, is supporting a music therapy program to help its residents who suffer from Alzheimer’s or dementia.
“People with Alzheimer’s or dementia are influenced by the motor center of the brain that responds directly to auditory rhythmic cues,” noted Nick Matzirakis, owner of BrightStar Care of Wellington/Palm Beach. “Our residents express happiness and gratitude for the music program.”
BrightStar Care of Wellington/Palm Beach sponsors music therapy provided by the Palm Beach Music Therapy Institute at The Carlisle Legacy Court Community.
The sessions are provided weekly. “This is an interactive session in which elderly participants engage in making music, singing and dancing along,” added Matzirakis. “Music helps stimulate their cognitive awareness, enables memory recall, and enhances their mood and emotional state by relieving stress.”
Music also offers a sense of control, provides movement and vocal fluency and fosters social interaction. “I can see an instant change and improvement in their moods as soon as the music starts,” concluded Matzirakis. “Some residents who are traditionally less active will even get up and start dancing, clapping and playing simple music instruments.”
About BrightStar Care of Wellington/Palm Beach
BrightStar Care of Wellington/Palm Beach provides quality home care, senior care, caregivers and medical staffing solutions to families and businesses in Wellington, Greenacres and West Palm Beach. Its home care agency services include companion care, skilled care, personal care, neurological disorder care, child care, transportation services and more. For more information, please call (561) 515-4477, or visit http://www.brightstarcare.com/wellington.