History of the LeadingAge Oklahoma Music for the Ages Program

In 2014, LeadingAge Oklahoma Executive Director Mary Brinkley watched a short video clip of Henry, using the MUSIC & MEMORY^℠ program which inspired her to contact the founder, Dan Cohen.  The Alive Inside video shows the magic of personalized music has on a person with dementia.  Henry comes alive: begins to communicate with his family and shares memories previously locked-away as he expresses the joy he is feeling.

Later that year, Dan Cohen presented a keynote address at the LeadingAge Oklahoma annual conference and ignited the audience of over 450 senior care providers resulting in wide-spread interest in the program.

Mary immediately began working to bring MUSIC & MEMORY to Oklahoma.  A contract was initiated to write a grant for Oklahoma nursing homes to implement the MUSIC & MEMORY program.  The grant was written for $353,000.00 for 2000 residents in 100 Oklahoma nursing homes to become certified through MUSIC & MEMORY^℠.  LeadingAge Oklahoma is also offering the program to other senior care providers as well.

Congratulations to Our Phase II Participants!

These nursing homes have completed the Music and Memory certification requirements and are beginning implementation of the program now. We are excited to see the impact of personalized music and share their stories with you! 

Congratulations to Our Phase I Participants!

These nursing homes have completed the Music and Memory certification requirements and are beginning implementation of the program now. We are excited to see the impact of personalized music and share their stories with you! 

Music for the Ages in the News

Senior News and Living recently highlighted our program. Read more here.

Brown University: [Press release] Personalized music may help nursing home patients with dementia

The American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry:  “Individualized Music Program is Associated with Improved Outcomes for U.S. Nursing Home Residents with Dementia“

Introducing
Oklahoma Music for the Ages
a MUSIC & MEMORY^℠ Program

LeadingAge Oklahoma is proud to offer the powerful benefits of personalized music through a grant from CMS/OSDH for Oklahoma nursing homes to improve quality of life for the elderly.

WHAT IS MUSIC & MEMORY^℠?
Grounded in extensive research, Music & Memory^℠ helps people living with a wide range of cognitive and physical challenges to find renewed joy in life through musical favorites. Your team is trained to develop personalized playlists, delivered through iPods, a key element in the individual’s plan of care. Music and Memory website.

HOW DOES PERSONALIZED MUSIC MAKE A DIFFERENCE?
 Beloved music helps to reduce depression and anxiety and can also moderate pain.
 Musical favorites tap deep memories and can improve quality of life.
 Participants are happier, more social, and receptive to care and family visits.
 It can help reduce reliance on anti-psychotic, anti-depressant, and pain medications.

WHO CAN PARTICIPATE?
 Oklahoma nursing homes interested in improving quality of life for those they serve.
 People with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.
 People with chronic pain.
More information on Eligibility and Participation 

Eligible participating nursing homes will receive a package of services valued over $5200, including:

• Certification through MUSIC & MEMORY^SM with three 90-minute webinars.
• Support provided by MUSIC & MEMORY^SM for one year.
• LeadingAge Oklahoma monthly webinars and support throughout the program period.
• 20 iPod Shuffles, headphones, and AC adapters. One external speaker and one splitter.
• One lap top computer for use solely with this program (separate financial eligibility).
• One $150 iTunes gift card.
• One perpetuity license of Alive Inside for in-house use in training staff and families.
• Free registration for two dementia seminars provided by LeadingAge Oklahoma.

The Healing Powers of Personalized Music

Personalized music has many benefits. Again, and again, care providers report the Music and Memory program is often life-changing for everyone involved.

Two phases will be offered with the first phase starting August 2016 with implementation through June 2018. Informational webinars will be offered for your team to learn more about this wonderful program.

The Impact of Music on One Resident

Detailed Instructions are provided to assist your team during implementation, including:

• Monthly national and state webinar training
• Sample documents, press kit, recruitment tools, and iPod donation kit
• Resource Guides: Starting a Program, iPod Donation Drive, Creating a Personalized Playlist
• Best practices for program implementation including assessment tools, polices, procedures, and lessons.