Dementia, Care Homes, and Pop Music
Album of the Month: “By Request! Chattanooga Choo-Choo & More From The Great American Songbook”
Album of the Month: “By Request! Chattanooga Choo-Choo & More From The Great American Songbook” —i.e. pop standards, showtunes, cowboy songs
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For some time I've been performing these songs in assisted living homes, providing musical service to people in various stages of dementia and disability. There is proof-positive that music reaches into more areas of the brain than language, math, and other forms of communication. I've seen miraculous things happen to people who are considered to be "disconnected"--suddenly, they're singing, clapping, toe-tapping, dancing...all from singing these familiar tunes. Staff members at these homes tell me the music helps the residents to eat and sleep better. Recovery I see takes anywhere from weeks to mere minutes.
Some of the folks I entertain are deep in "memory care." Others had strokes or other set-backs. Some are as young as 40-something. Others are well into their 90s and beyond (including World War II veterans). I've played many homes around the San Francisco Bay Area and Oregon. Residents requested these songs, and I recorded them for their enjoyment when I’m not around.
**IMPORTANT: I am seeking financial support to keep doing the care home work (I collect a fee, but it doesn't cover all my expenses for travel and gear). When you download this album, you have the option of paying zero or any amount you can afford. All proceeds go toward providing more music for the residents. Thank you!**
#Songbook #American #GreatAmericanSongbook #showtunes #popstandards #popmusic #cowboysongs #classicfilms #soundtracks #assistedliving #carehomes #dementia #disability #memorycare #johnnyjblair #singeratlarge