Ever read or see something and think – I just have to share that? Happens to me all the time. Maybe it’s the teacher in me. Anyway… 

This post includes two things I am so excited to share with…

Meet my friend Brian. 

Brian is a musician and a music lover, a public speaker, an advocate, and all around fun guy. 

Brian has Early-onset Alzheimer’s. (So do about 200,000 other Americans.) 

Thankfully, organizations such as the …

Does this sound like you? 

For starters, you probably enjoy music. Let’s face it. Almost everyone does. 

You may have someone in your life – either personally or professionally – who is living with dementia. 

You could…

How’s it going? 

Did you plan like a pro? 

This week is the final installment in my series Plan Like a Pro. If you missed the first 4 parts you can find them all here on my blog…

What is your most valuable resource? My answer might surprise you. 

Let me tell you a true story. 

Years ago I was hired to start a new Events and Activities Department at a huge resort that was going…

This week we continue the series Plan Like a Pro. In this series I offer questions for you to ponder as well as some simple advice. Great plans lead to success! Last week’s article focused on Who are the participants…

I’m wearing my teacher’s hat today. And I’ll tell you up front - I have serious “hat hair.” I spent decades writing lesson plans as a teacher. Along the way I learned a thing or two. 

As a school…

Have you ever planned a family gathering, or perhaps an activity where you work, that involved people of all ages? 

It can be challenging right? 

The little ones can’t read or sit still for very long. 

The…

Why am I such a big fan of folk songs, especially for people living with dementia and the senior communities where they live? 

There are lots of reasons why I think folk songs are important. But there is one…

I wish I could sit down with each of you individually and talk about the power of music in caregiving. I would make you a cup of tea and we could share experiences and learn from each other. Obviously that…

guest article by Donna K. Woodward, CNA

Being a new CNA is challenging. Yes, in training I learned how to make a hospital bed with a mannequin in it. To wash my hands according to procedure. To transfer fellow…

Has family caregiving changed your life? 

Caring for a loved one, no matter the reason – be it dementia or another health concern - can be all consuming and impact relationships deeply. Family dynamics often evolve.  Sometimes people find…

Do you ever get a little bored singing the same old songs? Come on, you can admit it. But we do it anyway don’t we? We do it because we know that for people living with dementia, there is comfort…

Helen is intuitive, creative, caring, and smart. She’s the Life Enrichment Coordinator for a cluster of small memory care homes where she has just been given a beginning budget to implement a comprehensive music program. She and I begin talking…

Margie’s gruff and gravely voice called out from her favorite corner where she carefully perched on the seat of her walker. Stooped and bent over, her arthritic hands were no longer able to hold the songbook she knew so well…

When I was 12 years old my mother wouldn’t let me to go to the junior high dances. She insisted that I wait until I was 13. Trust me, the months dragged on that year in seventh grade until my…

Were you fortunate enough to have a wonderful mother? I was. My mom and I were best friends. We had voices that matched perfectly and she taught me to sing. She and my dad loved to dance. Sadly, she passed…

Back in 1953 Harold Mertz was trying to sell magazines. 

He had salespeople going door to door. But it wasn’t very efficient. So Harold came up with the idea of mailing subscription offers to everyone. For the price of…

Jeanne from Vermont plays uke in a memory care residence. She suggested: Oh My Darling Clementine and the Battle Hymn of the Republic 
  
Cathy is an activity coordinator from North Ayrshire, Scotland. She added: My Bonnie Lies Over the…

I recently heard from Kim in Nova Scotia, who wrote:  
 

“I find with times changing and our residents coming to us from a different generation, the songs like “Working on the Railroad” and “Bicycle Built for Two” are not…

I am often asked “What are the best songs for a sing along?”  
  
That’s not as easy to answer as it may seem. There are personal preferences to consider, the mood in the room, and the energy level of…

As I played the first song for the folks in the adult day program I noticed a man in the front row whose hands were moving in time to the music. He looked like he was strumming an air guitar. 

Has anyone ever told you to “live in the moment?” Or “Be present.” 

Living in the moment takes on a whole new meaning for someone who is living with dementia. 

Here’s how Jolene Brackey describes it in her…

Hello music friends! 
  
TAP, TAP, TAP 
  
With a friendly smile on my face, I tap two rhythm sticks together. 

 “Today we’re going to play the drums - without the drum.” 

Circling the room, I gently slide a wooden…

The holiday season often finds us visiting loved ones and friends, young and old. Sometimes it can seem like an effort to fit those visits in. We may even wonder if they are worthwhile. I hope today's recollection from my…