An AD who is also a good friend moved to working in a memory care unit. She asked me to bring my program there.

Today I finished my 3rd gig in this unit. Most of the patients have some sort of dimentia.

I’m constantly amazed how responsive so many of the patients are...singing and some even remembering how to dance.

😊

Done plenty of those years ago,.....it's called The "Reminiscence Unit"
but refuse to play them unless nursing aids are in the room also for security.

... and don't forget your memory CARD! lol
(damn - you fixed it. Now I look silly)

I played at a half dozen memory impaired facilities near home, and even those in advanced stages still seemed to enjoy the musical entertainment. The pay was good, the staff was incredible and worked very hard to maintain some sort of life style for those afflicted with the various forms of dementia. However, as DNJ stated, you MUST have at least one, very attentive, staff member in the room with you at all times. Some Alzheimer patients in advanced stages frequently develop an unpredictable nasty streak and must often be restrained or they will charge up to your equipment and try to destroy it.

Sorry Dave, but that was not at all humorous, IMO. Dementia is a nasty malady that is usually fatal within 8 years, and it tends to have a detrimental effect on the entire family. Alzheimer's is genetic, and rarely skips anyone that has at least one parent afflicted with the disease. I've had many friends and a few relatives who suffered from Alzheimer's. It is horrendous to say the very least. My brother's wife no longer answers the telephone because she doesn't remember why it's ringing. She is just 72 years old, her mother, grandmother, an aunt and one uncle died of Alzheimer's in the
past 12 years. She has three children, all of which will likely go the same way.
Gary

Gary .... not poking fun at anyone. The title had a typo.

The title did have a typo.

I wasn’t offended. I figured out what Dave was trying to tell me and I changed the title.

+1 x 1000. In some ways it is worse than death. Jokes are NEVER appropriate for this horrible, horrible disease.

chas

Gary,

Tx for your input.

Some of the residents do have aggression issues.

Today one of the residents came into the area where I was playing. He was swearing and generally aggressive.

I switched to 50’s music and his aggression stopped immediately and he started singing.

Sorry, didn't see the explanation before posting, but what I (and Gary) posted is still generally true.

chas

I’m hoping we can stay on the topic of memory loss and music.

I’m thinking there are a lot of opportunities to help folks here.

After the gig, my AD friend and I started talking about songs/actions we could do together that would work in a memory care unit.

I never had any problems in those units although a guy did pull on a aide's pony tail once-no serious damage. I always did a heavy dose of sing-alongs which went over very well. Only had the problem of nobody supervising an activity once (this was not in memory care though). When they called me to come back I told them no and why. The AD guaranteed there would be an aide the next time if I came back and she kept her promise.

Gets your attention the first time you enter a unit and the door locks behind you, but you get used to it. Overall a good experience and some really nice people in these places-both the residents as well as some very committed employees who work with them.

And you will continue to be amazed ...
I've been playing at memory units for many years, and I still get amazed ... and I know what songs are going to be requested at different venues ...
Those of us who play them are blessed by the fact that we can rekindle memories for these people ... they will sing the lyrics to every song you play, but as you are packing up one might ask the same question 10 times in 5 minutes ...
Be thankful for the moments when you take them back to a happy place ...

A play a lot of "both sides". I enjoy the Alz as much as the rehab side. I've only had a few episodes of the "sundowner" type, who never sit still. Always have to watch closely.

I am not sure what the mental impairments are, but play every month for about fifteen ladies that are impaired enough to have to live in a group home.Some have speech impediments and try to talk to me about anything, but it is difficult to understand them, and quite disruptive at times. However, they so appreciate the music,an dance around like children. They just love me and my wife,and it is a small price to pay to bring a little joy to their lives.

It may be a no no for some entertainers, but,for them,I charge nothing, as they truly do not have any budget for entertainment.We are having a Christmas show Friday.

It's all good Bernie you have a good heart.
I have performed many times "pro bono" for some nursing facilities and organizations thru the years also. And you never know who is in the audience that will ask you for a business card for something in the future for Big $$ gigs too. The heck with the nay sayers....
It makes the audiences feel good & Your inner soul also.