Music and Memory Session Leader

Goal of the Position

Reconnecting Residents with their favorite music can vastly improve quality of life regardless of cognitive or physical status. Music for those living with Dementia has been shown to restore, temporarily but repeatedly, the sense of self often lost when memory fails. Volunteers will support residents to participate in the Music and Memory Program to help relieve boredom, empower choice, enable memory and provide avenues for genuine communication with loved ones and caregivers.

Time commitment

Volunteers will be asked to commit to a weekly 1.5 shift for a specific day/time.

Opportunities for morning 9:30-11:30 or afternoon between 1pm-2:30 or 2:30-4pm  

Benefit to volunteer

• Experience supporting those living with dementia and other cognitive/ physical decline.
• Experience facilitating a reminiscing based conversation.
• Experience supporting older adults to participate meaningfully in an emotions-based program.

Duties

• Provide assigned ipods to residents including their preferred method of listening (speakers or headphones)
• Engage in conversations with residents related to their music preferences and memories linked to their favorite songs
• Support with creating iPod for new residents and learning of music choices.
• Document resident activity participation and any request for changes to music on playlist.
• Complete infection control protocol following the end of the session.

Qualifications

• Fluency in English required, Intermediate skills in other language considered in asset.
• Prior experience supporting older adults, specifically those living with dementia and other cognitive/physical decline is considered an asset.
• Interest in music considered an asset.