Wesley Village receives grant from Valley Community Foundation to benefit dementia patients through Music & Memory program

Staff and volunteers from Wesley Village complete training and instruction for Music & Memory,
a personalized, therapeutic music program being introduced on the campus this summer.

SHELTON >> Beginning this summer, individuals struggling from dementia and other cognitive and physical impairments will now have the opportunity to reconnect with family, friends, and caregivers through Music & Memory, a personalized digital music program to be offered on the Wesley Village Campus.

“Sincere thanks to the Valley Community Foundation for making this new program possible with the help of a $4,700 grant,” said Carlene Rhea, director of Mission Development, in a release. “This grant enables our senior care campus to purchase iPods and other technology needed for music collection and storage and costs associated with staff training and instruction.”

Rooted in extensive neuroscience research, the Music & Memory approach involves training care professionals to set up personalized music playlists, delivered on iPods and other digital devices, for those in their care. These musical favorites can then tap deep memories not lost to dementia, which enable patients and residents to converse, socialize, stay present, and feel like themselves again.

After completing three days of training with staff and volunteers, Wesley Village is the first Music & Memory Certified Care Facility in the Valley and one of only a few in the State of Connecticut. The Music & Memory program will be implemented first at their new Lifestyle Transitions memory care neighborhood on the campus and then in the Bishop Wicke Health and Rehabilitation Center.

For more information about Music & Memory and the life-changing benefits of personalized therapeutic music, visit www.musicandmemory.org.

This is a press release from Marissa Salvesen, marketing and promotions manager for United Methodist Homes.