THE MUSIC was pumping but there were no complaints from the neighbours at a recent dance party.
Donning headphones, residents and staff at Baptistcare’s Gracewood residential aged care facility in Salter Point joined children for a silent disco.
Each participant, young and old, wore their own headset so they could choose their favourite music – from Frank Sinatra to Pink – and dance to their own special beat.
The seemingly quiet gathering, which saw couples waltzing alongside children disco dancing, was part of Baptistcare’s Music Connection Program.
Baptistcare’s dementia specialist Shizuka Yokoi said one resident, who has had a stroke, couldn’t resist getting on the dance floor in her wheelchair.
“She was smiling brightly and was nearly crying, saying, ‘I am enjoying myself so much, this is the best moment I have had over the last few years’.”
The music program is designed for people who have trouble communicating verbally.
“Sometimes our residents with dementia find it difficult to express what they are interested in,” Ms Yokoi said.
“When they listen to music that reminds them of a favourite time or a wonderful day they had, suddenly they smile.”
She said personalised music and movement has had a positive impact on residents with dementia. The music helps to trigger memories, improves their posture, movements and speech.
Ms Yokoi said the stories residents tell are often triggered by the music.
“We have one resident who has difficulty communicating verbally but whenever she hears a song that was played at her wedding she talks about how she met her husband, the memories of their life together and the dress she wore on her wedding day.”
Baptistcare is a not-for-profit organisation and a provider of care and support services across the aged care, disability and mental health sectors.
- 1300-660-640, www.baptistcare.com.au
