Memories: the soundtrack of life

20 April 2016

20 Apr 2016

Led Zeppelin, Frank Sinatra, ACDC, Aretha Franklin… the music tastes of seniors are interesting, diverse and surprising.

The power of music is set to bring joy to aged care residents, reconnect families and help recover memories at Villa Maria Catholic Homes (VMCH).

The not-for-profit aged and disability services organisation has teamed up with charity, Music and the Brain Foundation, to run a personalised music program, Encore, within 11 VMCH aged care residences.

With support from their families and VMCH staff members, interested residents will put together a playlist of music on an MP3 player, iPod, iPad or tablet device.

Monica Cashin from Music and the Brain Foundation said uploaded music should always be meaningful to the listener and could include football theme songs, nursery rhymes or even favourite advertising jingles.

“Music is an extremely powerful tool,” Monica said.

“It can enhance creativity, learning, aid healing, decrease pain levels and increase optimism. For people living with dementia, it can also help to connect them to the present and to recover fond memories.”

Monica said the program offered significant intergenerational benefits.

“All generations have opportunity to be actively involved in the collation of music for their loved one. This shared experience can help members of the younger generation to learn more about their elders and, in so doing, act as a conversation point for everyone involved.”

VMCH Pastoral Care Services Manager Bridget O’Shannassy said she hoped the program, led by VMCH’s Pastoral Care workers, would “enhance the lives of our residents and evoke memories of their favourite music.”

Encore will be rolled out across VMCH sites this week.

Intergenerational volunteering program brings joy

A safe haven for men’s health

Pastoral care at end-of-life a vital support

Pastoral Care: providing emotional and spiritual support

Shanagolden Celebrates Milestones and Blessings

Affordable homes for life

Older migrants need more housing support

Homelessness Week: affordable homes a lifeline for Helen

A trip down memory lane

A little lost? Start here.

Locating the information you need has become far easier with our useful guide. Answer a few simple questions and you will be on your way.

Not sure where to start?

→

Who needs our services?

I am here for
someone else I am here
for myself I am
looking for a job

Acknowledgement of Country

We here at VMCH respectfully acknowledge the traditional owners of the lands on which we gather, and we would like to take a moment to honour the fact that we live on the lands of the oldest civilisation in the world. We acknowledge the stories, traditions and wisdom of Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander peoples, and pay our respects to their elders past, present and emerging.