Residents of Reflections, the memory care program at The Bristal, enjoy daily programming that includes a focus on music. In addition to being enriching, while keeping in mind each person’s skills and interests, this programming helps create an atmosphere of familiarity and consistency. Music also enables residents to express themselves and stay in tune with their interests and memories.
According to the Alzheimer’s Association, “Music and art can enrich the lives of people with Alzheimer's disease. Both allow for self-expression and engagement, even after dementia has progressed.”
Learn more about our Reflections music programming and what it can offer residents living with dementia.
The Benefits of Music Enrichment for Seniors Living With Dementia
Dementia affects multiple areas of the brain; however, the part of the brain responsible for processing music is one of the last areas to be impacted.
Studies have shown that music can offer a host of benefits for people living with dementia, including:
- Better memory recall
- Improved communication
- Reduced mood disturbances
- Improved overall mood and cognitive function
Memory care communities like Reflections at The Bristal often utilize various types of music programming tailored to the needs and preferences of residents living with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia. Some common types include:
- Sing-Alongs: Group singing sessions featuring familiar songs from the residents' youth. These sessions help trigger memories and create a sense of community.
- Personalized Playlists: Customized music playlists for individual residents based on their musical preferences and past experiences. This approach can evoke positive emotions and reduce agitation.
- Music and Movement Therapy: Programs that combine music with physical programming, such as dancing, clapping, or light exercise, to improve motor skills and coordination.
- Live Music Performances: Regular visits from musicians or local bands to perform live, interactive music sessions, offering residents an engaging and stimulating experience.
- Music Appreciation Sessions: Discussions and listening sessions focused on different genres, composers, or eras of music, which can stimulate cognitive function and provide a comforting routine.
- Drumming Circles or Rhythm-Based Programming: Group programming where residents play simple percussion instruments, helping to boost social interaction and sensory stimulation.
- Music Relaxation Therapy: Using soothing and calming music during quiet times or before bedtime to help reduce anxiety and improve sleep quality.
These types of music programming are designed to harness the therapeutic benefits of music, fostering emotional, cognitive, and social well-being in memory care residents.
How the Reflections Music Enrichment Program Works
Reflections residents have the opportunity to participate in a variety of music-related programming each day at The Bristal, including:
- Live music sessions
- Sing-along programs
- Cardio drumming
- Name That Tune
- Music appreciation
- Zumba
Our music programming also usually includes some form of physical movement and expression. Combining music with physical activity for people living with dementia can help boost mood, reduce agitation, and foster a deeper sense of connection with the present moment.
The Bristal Assisted Living has recently partnered with SingFit Music Health Technologies, a therapeutic music program designed by music therapists, to create more meaningful musical moments for residents in our Reflections neighborhoods.
With the use of SingFit, an award-winning therapeutic music program, our Reflections Lifestyle Directors are able to lead customized sing-alongs, dance-alongs, and other music enrichment programs, using carefully selected playlists curated by music therapists.
Music programming in Reflections is chosen to best engage the resident or residents participating. With the patented SingFit Lyric Coach feature, our Lifestyle Directors can choose how much lyrical prompting is appropriate to result in the least stressful, most stimulating music engagement. Additionally, SingFit has been shown to provide a host of benefits for participants, including decreased agitation, mood elevation, stress reduction, cognitive stimulation, and more.
“At The Bristal Assisted Living, we strongly believe in offering cutting-edge programming to reinforce a sense of place, purpose, and community for our Reflections residents," said Vice President of Resident Experience Mark Paretti.
“By adding the innovative SingFit Music Health Technologies suite of staff training exercises and resident engagement tools, we're optimizing our therapeutic music programming to best enhance engagement, elevate moods, reduce stress, and create more meaningful moments for residents and their families alike."
Learn More About Reflections at The Bristal
Music programming is just one of many ways Reflections offers tailored experiences to memory care residents and offers compassion, comfort, and assurance to all.
Each of our Reflections locations on Long Island and in Manhattan, Westchester, and New Jersey offers memory care that provides a safe, secure, and comforting environment to those living with Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia or memory-related cognitive disorders. At The Bristal, luxury assisted living is combined with innovative memory care to create highly customized programming.
