Throughout our lives, music connects us and creates meaningful social and personal experiences, binding us together and helping shape who we are as people. Music brings our communities and families together at our happiest and most celebratory times and also during times of loss and sadness. For people with dementia, who often feel disconnected from the world around them, music can often serve as a wonderfully effective medium for reconnecting – both neurologically and interpersonally. Studies have shown that live music programs can reduce an individual’s level of worry, trigger and resurface memories and improve communication. 

Nearly half of our 1300+ Outreach programs facilitated this year engaged participants diagnosed with some form of dementia or other cognitive disorder, such as Parkinsons Disease. Through our Outreach programs, we engaged over 50 different groups caring for our friends and families in memory care settings, including Community Partners such as Brookdale, Clarendale, NHC, Harmony and Somerby, as well as private support groups like the Sunny Day Club and Petersons for Parkinsons.   

One of these special groups is NHC Sumner: Memory Care, located in Gallatin, TN, where we are fortunate to light up the lives of their residents several times each month through our live music programs. Robin Lawson, the Recreation Director at NHC Sumner not only shows her love and passion for serving her residents but also enthusiastically welcomes our Musician Partners for each visit – often singing along with them, to the delight of her residents and musicians alike. 

“We always have a great turnout for the music programs. Our residents respond so well to the music and it helps that Music for Seniors‘ musicians show a sincere desire to visit and really consider the level of attention required. They always bring the light and provide a break from the heaviness that our residents may experience. And while some of our residents may not be able to speak, we do notice them singing. We consider that special connection a success!”  – Robin Lawson

Debbie Watts, one of Music for Seniors’ most engaging Musician Partners, consistently ‘brings the light’ to our memory care groups. Debbie, a Fairview TN native has been partnering with Music for Seniors since 2016, and is quick to call attention to the dedicated, caring and compassionate approach of caregivers and directors like Robin.

“Having directors and caregivers like Robin present and smiling during the programs makes big difference. I love taking folks on a sentimental journey through music and I’ve found that it’s not always what we do specifically but how we do it. Successfully reaching residents in memory care requires an entirely different skill and as a lifetime musician it is a totally different ‘stage’ to consider. I’ve found that my ‘niche in Gods tapestry’ is to connect first, and the music will present itself as the groups needs it.  I notice that the way Robin participates in the program and her loving presence seems to be reflected in the resident’s overall mood and temperament.” – Debbie Watts

Join us as we celebrate ‘lighting up lives’ with our Community Partners like NHC Sumner and our dedicated Musician Partners like Debbie Watts.