‘The Beauty of Music & Memory’ to Provide Insight into Dementia
Are you living vibrantly as you age? Many Americans now view aging as a new phase of life that provides a wealth of opportunities for learning and engaging.
May is Older Americans Month, and more than ever, seniors are enjoying new experiences, finding a voice in their communities and focusing on their independence. As part of this important month, Grace Ridge is participating in a community partnership to bring an enlightening educational event back to Burke County for a second year.
“The Beauty of Music & Memory” features Teepa Snow, a nationally known educator in the field of dementia, and Ron Gregory, founder of Alzheimer’s Music Connect. If you’re interested in finding out more about memory care or dementia, you’ll want to attend this free symposium sponsored by Grace Ridge, Carolinas HealthCare System Blue Ridge, the Western Piedmont Council of Governments Area Agency on Aging and other organizations.
Family caregivers, health care providers and members of the public are expected to attend the event, which delves into the connection between the mind and music.
About the Presenters
Teepa Snow is a registered and licensed occupational therapist as well as a Fellow of the American Occupational Therapy Association. As a leading dementia educator, her philosophy reflects her education, work history and personal experience with caregiving.
With more than three decades in occupational therapy, Snow developed her Positive Approach® to Care that professionals and families around the world now use in providing care to individuals with dementia.
The techniques and strategies integrated into the Positive Approach® to Care reflect the latest information about brain functionality and the changes that occur as the result of dementia. One area of focus is the importance of personal connections, even when communication abilities have been altered by dementia.
With a witty and entertaining approach, Snow advocates for people living with dementia and is dedicated to educating professionals and family caregivers toward an important goal: helping individuals with dementia live the fullest life possible.
Ron Gregory, president and founder of Alzheimer’s Music Connect, notes that the right music can stimulate memories in individuals with dementia. Even in people who are uncommunicative, familiar music can revive old memories and help individuals become aware of their current environment.
Caregivers often marvel at the ability of music to help individuals with dementia remember and communicate, Gregory notes.
With decades of experience in the music industry, Gregory founded Alzheimer’s Music Connect after his mother received a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease.
‘Aging Out Loud’ at Grace Ridge
“The Beauty of Music & Memory” is just one example of Grace Ridge’s commitment to helping older adults redefine aging. By remaining independent for as long as they can, focusing on their health and well-being and advocating for issues they care about, older adults are setting inspiring examples for younger generations.
Throughout the month of May, Grace Ridge is scheduling activities and sharing important information about the contributions of older adults. In keeping with the theme of Older Americans Month, we’re focusing on ways to “Age Out Loud” as we support our 30th anniversary theme of “Good Moods. Good Times. Good Life. Since 1987.”
We hope you can join us for “The Beauty of Music & Memory” on Thursday, May 18. Two sessions are available, from 9 a.m. to noon and from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Continuing education credits for nurses and nursing home administrators are available for a $10 fee. To reserve your seat, please call 828-580-8402 or register online.