Project Grant - Round 2

Research has shown that music therapy can improve the quality of life for patients with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia disorders—creating a bridge to the past and/or making the present more comfortable, even into the later stages of the disease/disorder. The intent of our concert is to evoke memories for residents and facilitate positive interactions between residents, their families, their caregivers and choir members. Our goal is to improve quality of life for all parties involved and bridge communication gaps between people with Alzheimer’s or dementia and their loved ones. Through active participation in the musical experience—whether singing along, or moving to the music—Great River chorale intends to provide a conduit for closeness between residents, their families and caregivers that they may not be able to share on a regular basis in traditional ways.We will document the concert for evaluation purposes using video recording equipment. A questionnaire/survey, designed to capture feedback about the effectiveness of the programming, will be provided. We will inquire whether the participant found the programming of WWII era songs, folk songs and popular hymns to be appropriate/engaging for the residents, and whether they enjoyed the music. We will ask if participation in the event was worthwhile and why. The point of view of each different category of participant will be an important factor to consider in evaluation, thus we will ask them to identify themselves as a caregiver, family member or resident. Caregivers and family will be able to validate the experience for residents who are unable to respond by evaluation resident responses to presented music and the sing along. Choir members will be asked to reflect on the impact they believe the program had on the community as well.