Making Music Really Helps the Brain

So often we think of residential homes, particularly skilled nursing facilities, as a place where dreams die. But, of course, those familiar with such places know that isn’t true and that many people learn to make the most of their time there.

That’s why we wanted to share this story in today’s New York Times about an aging musician who came to a Buffalo nursing home after a struggling career as a pianist and discovered a new audience eager to hear and watch him perform.

Music therapy is an important part of our Glenner Alzheimer’s Family Centers. Not only does it provide a source of entertainment, but it also has been known to improve the quality of life for everyone in the family. It promotes social engagement and often leads to fewer visits to the doctor and less medication.

“Creative expression actually builds capacity in our brains,” says Gay Hanna, Ph.D., the executive director of the National Center for Creative Aging, said during a Webinar yesterday.

Anne Hastings, Ph.D., is director of the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s Center on Age and Community. She noted that storytelling in all its forms improves cortisol levels in both caregivers and loved ones. Moods improve and challenging behaviors decline.

“Having a sense of meaning and purpose is a protection against dementia,” she notes.

Engaging in artistic expression – be it the visual or performing arts – can improve brain cell activity and provide an outlet when others appear to be closing in due to dementia. She notes singer Glen Campbell, who this summer publicly announced he had Alzheimer’s. He now has difficulty with daily tasks but can continue to perform on stage.

“The power of the arts is integral to our being as humans,” Dr. Hanna says.

The story of Boyd Lee Dunlop in today’s newspaper demonstrates these principles. It also shows that people can have enriched, satisfying lives well beyond their working years and even after they are unable to age at home anymore. Thank you, Mr. Dunlop, for that note of hope.

Article: Rhythms Flow as Aging Pianist Finds New Audience

When It's Time to Transition: Staff

This is the third and final post in a series

Earlier we discussed questions to ask about a facility's environment and services specific to dementia care. Today we're suggesting areas to consider asking -- yourself or residential home officials -- about staff. Once again, we thank CAHR for providing this checklist.

• Do people, particularly the direct care staff, have special training in dementia care? How many hours? And at what frequency?
• What role does the staff have in the care planning process?
• What role does the resident and family or legal representative have in the care planning process?
• Does someone with special training with dementia patients coordinate the activity program? Are they full time? Do they have assistants?
• Is staff assigned to work with the same residents?
• What is the ratio of direct care staff to residents at each shift?
• Who supervises staff? What are their qualifications?
• What special training does the administrator and supervisors receive in dementia care?

When It's Time to Transition: Examining Services

Second in a series

Earlier we discussed environmental issues to consider when it is time for a loved one with dementia to transition to a long-term care residential facility. Today we tackle services.

As with our other list of questions, these come from the California Advocates for Nursing Home Reform.

• Are there activities especially designed for those with dementia?
• Do activity programs operate exclusively during the day or are some provided on evenings and weekend?
• Are activities individualized for each resident?
• Does the facility operate a "Safe Return" program?
• Are nutritious finger foods served?
• Are water and decaf drinks available through the day?
• Do they conduct night checks?
• How many staff members are awake during the night?

 Up next: Staff

When It's Time to Transition to a Residential Facility

First in a series

The George G. Glenner Alzheimer’s Family Centers provide a secured environment for those with dementia and other memory impairments. It’s an adult day health care center, which means it’s only open during the day. Many people mistakenly believe we’re a 24-hour residential facility.

While our participants can be with us for many years, sometimes they must move on to a skilled nursing facility that includes or specializes in dementia care. There are many wonderful facilities within San Diego County that provide these services.

This week, we thought we’d outline some questions for caregivers to consider if and when the time comes to make that transition. (And, if the state as now planned eliminates funding adult day health care and in-home health services, many more dementia patients will need to be placed.)

These checklists come from the California Advocates for Nursing Home Reform.

First up, the environment:

• Is the facility calm and quiet?
•  Does it use soft music or natural scents to create a soothing atmosphere?
• Is the place well lighted?
• Are there complex patterns on carpets or walls?
• Can staff easily observe from common and outside areas?
• Does the facility have a wander system alert?
• Do doors come equipped with a system to delay exit?
• Is there a locked and secured outdoor area for walking?

An interesting note: California law requires a resident’s or court-appointed conservator’s consent before he or she may be placed in a locked or secured perimeter facility – the type often utilized for dementia care residential facilities. No one else – including family members or an agent listed in an advance director – may give consent.