The CAMP Rehoboth Chorus Music and Memory Project to Help Persons with Dementia or Alzheimer’s Disease
Who of us has not been affected by, or at least aware of family and friends who have dementia or Alzheimer’s Disease? For those people, listening to personalized music can have a profound effect on their lives. It can give them access to their memories and help them become engaged with others in the here and now.
The CAMP Rehoboth Chorus and Friends Music and Memory Project is a new initiative that supports that musical connection. They have partnered with the Rehoboth Beach Library and the local Alzheimer’s Association to support nursing home residents receiving iPods loaded with their favorite music. The project was inspired by the movie, Alive Inside, which documents and promotes Music and Memory. Now a nationally recognized program used in over 1,000 facilities, it gives residents access to the music they love and remember.
The scope of the project includes providing information and support to nursing homes to become Music and Memory Certified; providing iPods, earphones, and music to their residents; assisting staff in loading the music onto the iPods; and providing technical support as needed. The cost of equipment and music is around $80 per person. Certification costs, around $20 person, must be paid by each facility for training and support from Music and Memory. Certification insures that facilities follow “best practices” while carrying out the program.
The CAMP Rehoboth Chorus began in May, 2015, by showing Alive Inside to Chorus members at CAMP Rehoboth. Those who attended endorsed the project as a natural community outreach program for the Chorus. A Steering Committee, as well as committees for fundraising, loading music, and technical support were formed. They are currently talking with nursing home staff and fundraising within the Chorus. Both those activities, as well as fundraising in the greater community and at their concerts in February and March will continue. Working on the Steering Committee are Dottie Cirelli, Linda DeFeo, Bob Hoffer, Marge LaFond, Pattie Magee, David Scuccimera, and Bev Peltz, Chairperson.
They are asking for donations of money and new or (lightly) used iPods. Those donations can be dropped off at CAMP Rehoboth, and are tax deductible.
For more information visit musicandmemory.org online to learn more about that organization and to understand why we’re so excited about being part of it.
Want to know more about Music and Memory? See the movie that started it all, and have a night out to brighten up your winter. Come to CAMP Rehoboth on January 6 at 6 p.m. to see Alive Inside and enjoy drinks (bring what you like) and snacks (provided by us). RSVPs needed, and more details to follow in December.