Music & Memory support now available at Sussex County libraries
Music & Memory personalized music playlists are used with great success to improve the quality and enjoyment of life of residents with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Now this personalized music is accessible at Sussex County libraries for those living and being cared for at home. And this service is free of charge, thanks to funding and volunteers provided by CAMP Rehoboth Chorus.
Studies show the brain ties music to memory and that personalized therapeutic music enables the listener to reconnect, regain social skills, and live more fully. Other benefits include increased cooperation and attention, reduced resistance to care, decreased agitation and sundowning, enhanced engagement and socialization, and reduced reliance on anti-psychotic medications.
Music & Memory at the Library is a partnership between the CAMP Rehoboth Chorus and Friends Music & Memory Project and the libraries in Georgetown, Lewes, Milford and Seaford. Trained Music & Memory volunteers from CAMP Chorus meet with caregiver and the individual to assess the person’s musical interests. Using a musical library maintained on a laptop provided by CAMP Chorus, the volunteer develops a personalized playlist.
The libraries house MP3 players, headphones and instructions. Once the volunteer loads an MP3 player with the personalized playlist, the caregiver can check out the MP3 player and headphones for an extended period of time. Changes to playlists are available if wanted or needed.
“We believe this is a great way to support the community and we hope it will be widely used,” says Carol Lewis, trained Music & Memory volunteer. For more information and to participate contact the library in Georgetown, Lewes, Milford or Seaford. All that’s needed is a Delaware library card.
