Strumming, drumming therapy

MASON, Ohio - A Mason retirement community is singing the praises of local donors who gave $35,000 to help people with dementia.  The money will start a therapy program that is drumming up the quality of life for the residents.

Cedar Village Retirement Community was awarded the grant, from David and Nancy Wolf, to create an arts program to expand the communities dementia care efforts.

“We’re not going to cure dementia or Alzheimer’s disease but we hope to improve the quality of life for people with those conditions,” David Wolf said in a news release. “That’s why we’re thrilled to be able to support this great program.”

The village already uses the arts to stimulate the minds of people with dementia.  According to Cedar Village CEO, Carol Silver Elliot, they are always looking to improve services.

"We can use art and music and other forms of means of creative expression to help them [clients] share something of who they still are.  How powerful is that," said Elliott.  "More must be done to help unlock the doors to reach those with dementia and allow them to live as fully as possible despite the disease process.”

The money is already in use. Jude Jones is the facility's music therapist.  She likens the idea to having a special ringtone on a phone or a song that reminds us of our childhood.

"Music just unlocks so many avenues that some other activities can't do," said Jones.

Therapy sessions use drums, tambourines, and song writing activities to help stimulate the client's mind.

"Big smiles come onto peoples faces, so that's the big picture for me," said Jones. "Being able to see someone smile and someone having a better day."

"Many times we will find someone who is advanced disease process who can sing a song they used to know," explained Elliott.  "It's amazing. When a certain song is played they'll start to sing along and they'll remember all of the words."

Therapists will use measurement tools, developed by Scripps Gerontology Center at Miami University, to gauge the effectiveness of the activities.  Cedar Village is offering the therapy for the majority of its 300 residents, regardless of their mental condition.