Cheering for Charity Foundation’s, “The Cheering Voices”, is a program that professional musicians together with trained facilitators engage both the residents and their caregivers/families. The facilitators encourage resident’s involvement during live musical sessions by singing along, dancing, using hand-held musical instruments, smiling, using positive statements, and gentle but active movements.
As memory disorders progress, individuals lose the ability to share thoughts and gestures of affection with their loved ones but they retain the ability to move to the beat until very late in the disease process. The resident’s level of activity can increase immediately during the session by starting slowly with slight head swaying and moving, and then may advance to quickly tapping of feet and clapping along to the music. Some people have a much more profound response and even begin dancing and singing along.
The Cheering Voices Program:
5 week-1 hour program for residents, facility caregivers and families.
Our Goals:
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Create positive moods
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Manage stress levels
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Decrease agitation
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Encourage small motor movements
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Create positive moments between the residents and their caregivers/families
“My mother, in the last 6 months of her life, was unable to speak and had very little recognition. One day when I arrived at the nursing home a musical group was performing, I couldn’t believe it, my mother was singing the “The Old Rugged Cross”, and she knew every word. This brought us both so much joy!
That’s the power of music. It arouses dormant memories even in those whose minds are failing. I am extremely excited about this program.“
Priscilla Groh, President & Founder of Cheering for Charity Foundation
Priscilla and her mother Helen.
