 | Roselyn Schmidt, R.N.,
partnering with husband Don and son Kent, designed, own, manage and operate Chaucer Estates, Retirement and Assisted Living. Since 1967, the Schmidt's have owned five nursing homes, managing and operating the facilities as a family. In 1986, they built Andover Health Care, and in 1995 became part owners of Park West in West Wichita, until the 1998 flood, leading them to create Chaucer Estates. Most recently, the Schmidt family has opened their newest retirement and assisted living facility in Overland Park, KS, "Rose Estates". Since 1955, Rose has enjoyed a vast nursing career, raised six children, and presently serves as Admissions, and oversees marketing at Chaucer Estates. You can reach Rose at (316) 630-8111, or visit Chaucer Estates at 10550 E. 21st North, in East Wichita. |
Senior Living
2005-08-01 16:15:00
Music can often be ‘magic’
: How does Music Therapy help residents of Assisted Living homes?
ANSWER: Having fun and enjoying life is important for everyone. Seniors residing in Assisted Living facilities, especially those with dementing illness, are every bit as entitled to enjoy life! It may mean that caretakers need to make special efforts to discover things that the individuals find pleasure in, such as music.As an illness progresses, it may become more difficult to find things that person can still enjoy. Elderly people or people with dementia often lose the ability to entertain themselves; therefore, music can become a delightful resource. Senior residents, especially those severely impaired, seem to retain the capacity to enjoy old familiar songs. Some will sing only when someone sits close by and encourages them, and others may be able to use a simple tape deck or radio for their music pleasure. Some are still able to play the piano and sing if they learned this skill earlier in life.Group music therapy has a special affect on individuals, especially with dementia, on agitation and cognition. Also emphasis is placed on validation and redirection through music. Residents' emotions are validated through permission to express emotions with songs or emotional playing of musical instruments. Rhythm and tempo can match their repetitive movements and pacing. Redirection occurs when music is used to change moods or to provide comfort and relocation which can interrupt a preservative pattern. A variety of remembered and new skills; sensory stimulation, reminiscence, comfort and renewed communication are outcomes of this experience.
