Music & Memory
Lyngblomsten iPod Project for MUSIC & MEMORY
Lyngblomsten iPod Project for MUSIC & MEMORY from Lyngblomsten on Vimeo.
Lyngblomsten is a MUSIC & MEMORY Certified Care Facility.
How can you help?
Our goal is to be able to bring the healing power of music to all 225 Lyngblomsten Care Center residents to help them feel connected to their memories, their lives, and each other.
Here are 3 ways you can contribute to the Lyngblomsten iPod Project for Music & Memory:
- Donate a new or gently used iPod.
- Donate an iTunes gift card.
- Donate a monetary gift.
There is a collection box located on the Lyngblomsten campus to drop off in-kind and cash donations.
Downloads:
What is Music & Memory?
Founded in 2010, Music & Memory is a nonprofit organization that helps enhance the lives of older adults in care facilities through the use of personalized music on iPods. The program's work is rooted in extensive neuroscience research, and some of the proven benefits include:
- Increased resident cooperation and attention,
- Reduced resistance to care and agitation, and
- Enhanced engagement and socialization with others.
In addition, the program is considered to be a valued tool for the effort to reduce reliance on anti-psychotic and anti-anxiety medications.
Lyngblomsten staff completed training in 2015 to become a Music & Memory Certified Care Facility. It is one of a growing number of care centers that are putting the power of personalized music to therapeutic use for residents, to enhance memories and improve quality of life.
The program is simple. Staff learns what a resident's favorite songs and styles of music are—especially music they listened to between the ages of 18 and 25—by asking their family members. Lyngblomsten volunteers load the personalized playlists to iPods, and residents receive an iPod loaded with their favorite music.
Learn more about the Music & Memory organization.
Why do we have the program?
In other care facilities where the program has been implemented, having residents listen to their favorite music—in particular, songs associated with important personal events—has triggered memories of lyrics and of the events associated with the music.
Hearing the music sparks memories that residents are then able to expound and talk about. The reason why this connection exists is because the parts of the brain that respond to music are very close to the parts of the brain concerned with memory, emotion, and mood. Music opens a portal into our brain, releasing images of the past and emotions connected to those memories.
In addition to enhancing memories, two of the greatest benefits of listening to personalized playlists are that it enables a sense of individuality and is a valued and fulfilling activity for residents.
Shelli Beck, Co-Leader of Music & Memory and Lead Volunteer Coordinator
651.414.5297 or sbeck@lyngblomsten.org
