CAMP Rehoboth Chorus Music and Memory Project
You May Already Know
As we age we tend to lose things along the way! One of those things might turn out to be our “minds”/cognitive functions. We are all aware of someone affected by Alzheimer’s Disease or other brain based issues, so we have seen what a frustrating and isolating experience it can be.
And now, you also know.
Music and Memory helps people in nursing homes and other care organizations through the gift of personalized music, and, CAMP Rehoboth Chorus is affiliated with and is directly supporting Music and Memory in Sussex County.
We are able to help people with a range of cognitive and physical challenges find renewed meaning and connection in their lives through the gift of personalized music. The approach is simple, elegant, and effective: Music and Memory trains care professionals to use personalized music playlists, delivered on iPods. Those musical favorites can tap deep memories not lost to dementia and can bring people “back to life,” to converse, socialize and stay present. It really works!
What’s happening?
Through Music and Memory, care facilities staff learn about the potential impact of personalized music on their residents, how to find out an individual’s favorite music, music resources, and best practices for downloading and organizing it. All recipients have individually loaded iPods and headphones. A designated laptop also is needed to house the facilities’ music library, as songs can be loaded onto more than one iPod. The music comes from iTunes and free downloads, some available from Music and Memory. Family members and community volunteers can be involved throughout the process. Since June, 2016, staff at Gull House Adult Day Services, Cadbury Senior Lifestyles, and Harbor Healthcare have been trained and are working with their residents to establish their playlists. Peach Tree Acres and Harrison Senior Living staffs will be trained in February. Our project helps provide the funds and equipment needed for the Music and Memory training and ongoing support.
Fundraising News
This past summer our project was chosen as the January designated charity by Lunch With a Purpose. That group of women organizes monthly luncheons; invites the community to come and bid on donated items; and designates a local charity to be the recipient of the funds raised. Being involved in that event was both an honor and a challenge. Under the leadership of our Steering Committee member, Marge LaFond and her committee, and with donations of auction items by Chorus members, the luncheon was a great success. One hundred ninety five people came to the Atlantic Sands Hotel, enjoyed lunch and listened to music by the Chorus Ensemble, and bid on the 60+ donated items. They donated $4700 in cash and iTunes gift cards, as well as an estimated $700 in new and used iPods and chargers. Thanks to all who participated!
Not only did we host a great fundraiser, several people outside the CAMP organization offered to join us in the project by working directly with nursing facilities or by facilitating used iPod drives. The scope of the project includes that kind of participation by volunteers in the greater community as we move forward.
All donations are used to facilitate local Music and Memory programs.
Any gently used Apple listening device, (iPods, UNLOCKED iPhones, charging cords) and iTunes gift cards can be taken to CAMP Rehoboth, 37 Baltimore Avenue, Rehoboth Beach. (CAMP Rehoboth is a 501(c)3 organization.)
To learn more about Music and Memory, watch the movie Alive Inside: A Story of Music and Memory, available on Netflix or DVD.