Life Enrichment with Music: Becoming Alive Inside Michelle Billings, RN, NHA Baptist Village of Oklahoma City

Objectives  To understand the brain-music connection  To learn how to incorporate Music and Memory into Life Enrichment programming  To learn how to develop and utilize personalized music for residents

Brain-Music Connection  Music is profoundly linked to personal memories  Music can tap deep into emotional recall  Music calms chaotic brain activity  Musical favorites replace confusing environmental stimuli with something interpretable

Befits of Personalized Music  Offers enjoyable activity  Reduces sun-downing behaviors  Reduces need for anti-psychotic medications  Caregivers are able to connect in more meaningful ways  Residents become more cooperative and willing to accept care.

Baptist Village’s Music and Memory Journey  Became the first community in Oklahoma to complete the Music and Memory Certification Program  The grant for the Program included: *Three 90 minute webinars *One year of customer support *Starter kit: iPods, headphones, AC adapters, $50 iTunes card

First Steps of the Journey  Form a team of staff and volunteers to spear-head the program  Complete the Music and Memory Certification Training Program  Designate a laptop for building music library and personalized playlists  Create an iPod storage/recharging station

Building an iTunes Library  Enlist the help of resident’s family/ friends to complete a Music and Memory Favorite Music Questionnaire  Use iTunes gift card to purchase music listed on Questionnaire  Subscribe to iTunes Match for greater cost savings

Create an Individualized Playlist  Select a minimum of 100 favorite songs for each resident  Assign an iPod/headsets to a resident  Load music onto assigned iPod  Print residents playlist  Document response to selected music

Life Enrichment with Music  Use a multi-dimensional approach  Offer music before providing care to reduce resistance  Use to create increased alertness for mealtimes and connecting with others  Use to promote rest from pacing and wandering  Incorporate into their daily rhythm

Becoming Alive Inside  Feet/hands tapping to the music  Eyes opening and focusing on others around them  Smiling with a sense of wonder/delight  May verbally/non-verbally engage in conversation  Improved memory

Partnering with Students/Volunteers

Conclusion  Incorporate personalized music into Life Enrichment programming  Seek partnerships with students and volunteers  Utilize grants to assist with training costs and obtaining iPods  Record observations of residents becoming alive inside

Life Enrichment with Music: Becoming Alive Inside