Many of you have seen the moving U Tube clip of Henry, an elderly non-communicative nursing home patient “coming alive” as he hears music from his favorite artist Cab Calloway playing though headphones. The clip, which went viral with more than 11 millions views, is taken from the 2012 documentary Alive Inside: A Story of Music and Memory. The Music and Memory organization has now implemented iPod personalized music programs in hundreds of care organizations throughout the U.S. and Canada by providing digital music players, headphones, music, training and support.
Hospice Savannah is proud to announce that Hospice Inpatient Unit (HIPU) is the first Certified Music and Memory Organization in the Coastal Empire. We will soon be offering the Music and Memory program to engage patients residing on the residential wing of our Hospice Inpatient Unit (HIPU).
We know music is calming for anxious, agitated patients, and we know it can cause seemingly non-communicative patients and patients with dementia to sing, talk, clap, remember and “come alive.” Under the leadership of board certified music therapist Sara, and Hospice Inpatient Unit (HIPU) volunteer coordinator, Kristi, specially trained volunteers will create individualized and personalized “playlists” of songs. We will pilot the program next month and if successful, will expand and offer this therapeutic music to our patients who reside in other facilities.
We are so appreciative to a family bequest and to a grant from The Savannah Community Foundation’s Emerging Leaders Committee for the start up funding for our certification. Donations of Apple iPod shuffles or Apple iTunes gift cards would be appreciated. Please contact our Foundation at 912. 629.1055 for more information if you would like to help.
