Autumn Winds Living & Rehabilitation Implements Music & Memory Program

In January 2017, Autumn Winds Living & Rehabilitation 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 their residents in recalling information and boosting morale.

The Music and Memory Program allows each resident to listen to personalized music, which leads them to recall memories, boost mood, communicate better, and become active. Emily Wiatrek, the Administrator at the facility, said the program can help residents with all different needs, and the staff at Autumn Winds is hoping for great results.

Our residents deserve the very best care and that's what we try to provide for them every day. If by trying this program, we help even just one person, it will be completely worth it and we will be happy we implemented it.

Emily Wiatrek, Administrator

“I truly believe this program will make a difference in the lives of our residents,” Wiatrek said. “Our residents deserve the very best care and that’s what we try to provide for them every day. If by trying this program, we help even just one person, it will be completely worth it and we will be happy we implemented it.”

Wiatrek 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. Participation in this program could also help with staff retention and overall morale.

Over a period of six months, a log will be kept for each resident. Some questions they hope to 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 happiness and comfort to our residents. At the end of the several months, they will review their log on each resident and from there determine if the Music and Memory Program was successful for each individual resident.

Autumn Winds Living & Rehabilitation is a nursing and rehabilitation facility located in Schertz, 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 Autumn Winds Living & Rehabilitation, call (210) 658-6338.

Source: Autumn Winds Living & Rehabilitation