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Senior Fun with Music Fridays | Heathwood Assisted Living & Memory Care

August 9, 2018

Friday afternoons at Heathwood Assisted Living in Penfield are lively with music

Friday afternoons at Heathwood Assisted Living in Penfield are lively with music. It’s the day residents know they can look forward to Fun with Music – a group session led by Marcia Landgren, a registered music therapist.

Marcia started the music program at Heathwood in 2011 with a choir – the Heathwood Songbirds - and later, a chime choir was added.

As a teacher for more than 30 years, Marcia witnessed the benefits of music working with students of all ages. Seeing the way residents responded in choir practice, she approached the administrator, Bonnie Goodwin, about adding a weekly music therapy session as well. She explained the benefits of music therapy among older adults, particularly those dealing with loneliness and memory loss. Research has shown that music can enhance engagement, help with recall and language skills and can decrease feelings of depression and anxiety. And it’s fun!

Marcia proposed a 45-minute music session where the residents could sing and play instruments with the goals of improving social skills and reducing anxiety while having fun. The class was a hit and continues to be among the most well attended activities at Heathwood.

“I love to make music,” Marcia said, “that’s my passion. I like to bring people joy and music does that.”

Each week brings a different theme. Marcia carefully selects songs and plans sessions based on the needs and goals of each person. She brings instruments for the residents to play such as tambourines and drums. Incorporating movement, clapping and sometimes dancing along, helps to loosen up the body and increase circulation.

The sessions are especially effective in Memory Care where nearly every resident comes out to participate. One resident who normally has difficulty communicating will know every word to every song. She has memory loss and yet she can easily recall melody and lyrics.

Marcia has found that residents are drawn to her sessions because they don’t need special skills to participate – some come just to listen and tap along to the beat.

As an evening receptionist at Heathwood, Marcia’s day-to-day interactions with the residents helps her get to know them and learn about their interests. She can chat with the residents outside of class and choir practice to learn what type of music they enjoy and what they like to do. This helps her personalize her sessions and select songs for choir that the residents will know and remember.

Marcia also brings her personal experience to her sessions. Having lived in Hawaii for four years, Marcia had a special Hawaiian themed class during Luau week at Heathwood last month. The class featured traditional hulas and authentic Hawaiian instruments including an ipu – a percussion instrument.

While it might appear that Fun with Music is just about having fun and playing songs, there’s a lot more to it. It gives residents an opportunity to feel included and helps them to relax. They leave her sessions smiling and feeling cheerful.

Most of all, they love the music. “The music keeps them coming back,” Marcia said.

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