Music & Memory Wesley Homes is well-known for our retirement communities and health services. With memory care on both our Des Moines and Lea Hill campuses, we are expanding our commitment to memory care with the next phase of our Music & MemorySM program and the Alzheimer’s Walk. Our pilot program for Music & Memory is now an integral part of Wesley Homes Des Moines’ memory care. The program now has eight certified staff members. They have all seen the positive effects personalized music playlists have had on residents: When Martha* wears her iPod, she shuffles her feet to the music; she is thoroughly engaged, which is remarkable since she is usually solitary and not animated. A video exists of Ella* listening to Michael Jackson’s Thriller. Ella can be a bit challenging, so the Music & Memory program really helps the staff to re-focus her attention on the music she loves. Roma*, one of the first residents to participate in this program, can recall the name of songs when she is listening to the music. This is unusual since she is typically silent and does not engage verbally at all. Roma’s family is very excited about her response. Lyndsey*, who is blind, plays the piano while wearing her iPod. These kinds of results are encouraging. More than that, residents are happier, are more social and have a better quality of life. Wesley Homes Foundation supplies funds for training the staff for certification, all of the iPod and headphone purchases, the iTunes gift cards at the Des Moines Health Center. When the Lea Hill campus’ program is implemented, the Foundation will fund the program for them, too. Donations of headsets, new or used iPod Nanos (7th generation), iTunes gift cards or funds are appreciated for both campuses. For more information, please call Wesley Homes Foundation at 206.870.1334 or donate online at wesleychoice-old.dcclients.com. South Sound Walk to End Alzheimer’s “This is our third year participating in the Annual South Sound Walk to End Alzheimer’s,” said Bernie Dorsey, director of Community Outreach. “Each year we try to raise more because as more and more people age, we’ll see the urgency increase for finding a cure.” The Wesley Walkers, Wesley Homes’ team, have raised over $6,000 for Alzheimer’s care, support and research, and the team is eager to raise more. “It feels good to give back, to help others because my grandmother passed away with Alzheimer’s,” said Theresa Hile, staff member and frequent volunteer. The Wesley Walkers would love to have your support. To make a donation, please visit Walk to End Alzheimer’s. Wesley Homes also has a support group for caregivers or family members of those with Alzheimer’s. It’s free and open to everyone. *Names have been changed for privacy.
