Texan Nursing & Rehab of Gonzales Implements Music & Memory Program

Starting January 2017, Texan Nursing & Rehab will be adopting and implementing the Music and Memory Program developed by the Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) for the elderly with dementia, pain, or behavioral problems. Over the next six months, the facility will use this program to assist residents in recalling information and boosting morale.

The Music and Memory Program lets each resident to listen to personalized music, allowing them to recall memories, boost mood, communicate better, and become active. Lucinda Hunt, the Activity Director at Texan Nursing & Rehab of Gonzales, said the program can help residents with all different needs.

We're really excited to see how this program impacts our residents. If it helps even just one person, we'll be happy we tried it. All individuals are different and the Music and Memory Program is not guaranteed to work for every resident. There are no adverse effects, so no downside to trying and everything to gain.

Lucinda Hunt, Activity Director

“We’re really excited to see how this program impacts our residents,” Hunt said. “If it helps even just one person, we’ll be happy we tried it. All individuals are different and the Music and Memory Program is not guaranteed to work for every resident. There are no adverse effects, so no downside to trying and everything to gain.”

Hunt said the main purpose of the program is to reduce the use of antipsychotic and anti-anxiety medication, reduce agitation, bring peace and comfort to each resident, enhance socialization and improve overall quality of life for the residents. It will also determine whether participating in the program helps staff retention and overall morale.

Throughout the six-month period, a log will be kept for each resident. Some questions they will answer will be: how long each resident used their iPod, was it effective or not, how was behavior while listening, what was the change of behavior because of listening, overall mood while listening, and change in mood because of listening. The goal is to trigger memories and bring comfort to their residents. At the end of the program, they will review the log on each resident that participated and from there, determine if the Music and Memory Program was successful.

Texan Nursing & Rehabilitation is a nursing and rehabilitation facility located in Gonzales, Texas that offers a living alternative for those unable to care for themselves. We offer a wide array of health, rehabilitation, dietary, and social services for short- and long- term stays. We participate in both Medicare and Medicaid. Our philosophy is that living and recovering must include caring for the mind, body and soul. When you can’t live or recover in your own home, we invite you to ours.

For more information about Texan Nursing & Rehab of Gonzales, call (830) 672-2867.

Source: Texan Nursing & Rehab of Gonzales