Do you have any iPod Shuffles that you no longer use?
Here is an opportunity to put them to probably a better use than you could ever imagine.
A ukulele group based at Merimbula on the NSW south coast can help. But whats more they are putting those tiny machines to worthwhile effect - to help people with dementia.
The Wobbles Ukulele Band has a program to assist dementia patients with a donation of a Shuffle loaded with specially chosen music.
But Apple has stopped making the Shuffles and now the hunt is on so that the group can continue their Music Evokes Memories program.
The Wobbles started running the program in May 2017 and have donated 21 Shuffles loaded with music to local aged care homes for use by specific dementia patients. The Shuffles contain two hours of music and come with a soft bag sewn by the Candelo Sewers, and donated headphones.
Music has been shown to be of great benefit to those with dementia, allowing them to enjoy fond memories of their past. Band member Mike Maxworthy said that musical aptitude and appreciation were two of the last abilities to be affected in dementia patients.
One was a man with a pusher and as he came towards us he started dancing with it like it was a partner while we played, smiling but with tears rolling down our faces.
- Adeline Perrett
Music appears to calm patients with anxiety and depression while the music seems to transport them to a happier place in their minds.
Band member Adeline Perrett recalls playing in the dementia wing of a local aged care home.
"There were just four of us, no residents, but as they heard the music doors opened and they started coming towards us. One was a man with a pusher and as he came towards us he started dancing with it like it was a partner while we played, smiling but with tears rolling down our faces," Adeline said.
Last year Adeline discovered that Apple wasn't making the Shuffles any more when she visited a shop in Canberra.
"I immediately bought the shop out, bought the last 15," she said.
"I went on eBay and bought three second hand ones but we know they're out there. If people are not using them we would love to have them," Adeline said. Contact Adeline on 0418 200 161.
To discover more about the Music Evokes Memories program visit the Facebook page.
