I thought Kathy would fall off her chair! More on that in a moment.
In this world of electronic playlists, mixes, and “Hey Siri, play ‘In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida’ for me,” it’s not surprising that everyone’s life has a soundtrack. When we hear certain songs or other musical selections, our brain performs amazing gymnastics to call up feelings and memories of significant related events and milestones in our life. Musical memories are stored in parts of the brain that affect emotions and fundamental processes, actually becoming a part of who we are. Marketers seize on this phenomenon, which is why a person with dementia may recall jingles from 50 years ago but not know his daughter’s name.
Allentown and Lehigh Valley memory care experts understand this resonance. Therapeutic Arts Group in Whitehall is one such organization collaborating with other therapy professionals “to use music and art within a therapeutic relationship to help our clients attain goals, cope with hardship, overcome physical and mental challenges, and improve their quality of life.”
I had the pleasure of meeting with Kathy Purcell, MT-BC, Director of Therapeutic Arts Group in Whitehall. Kathy displayed such enthusiasm when talking about the labor of love she and her therapists perform, I quipped that she was going to fall off her chair. After hearing about TAG’s success stories (and getting to bang on some instruments), I almost joined her.
Researchers have found that music, although by no means a cure for dementia, can still offer the patient a “cognitive boost.” While listening to music for an extended period, new connections can be formed among different regions of the brain, allowing for increased information transfer. Interestingly, different music has different effects on the brain. Therapists understand this and tailor their choices to the needs of each individual.
Kathy shared two success stories that are indicative of 35 years of working with clients. Names have been changed for privacy. Although this article emphasizes dementia, TAG serves clients with dozens of diagnoses.
Fred and Wilma’s Long Journey
Fred came to TAG because his wife, Wilma, suffered from dementia. They lived an hour away, but Wilma loved to take her weekly drive and have lunch (and ice cream!) on the way home from her independent music therapy session. It helped organize their week for a year and a half, after which Wilma moved into a memory care community. TAG had a therapist near there who could continue to benefit Wilma by sharing songs and other familiar music therapy activities with her.
When Wilma passed away six months later, Fred sent TAG a heartfelt letter of appreciation. TAG had helped him stay connected to his wife and overcome his discomfort with other activities, like dancing at home with his wife.
A New Twist on a Drinking Song
Lisa was not drinking water, which concerned her family. She was hospitalized several times and needed help. Interviews revealed that Lisa loved music and singing. Perfect!
Appropriate songs were chosen and played by the therapist, with one condition: Lisa had to “glug” some water before hearing the songs. The therapist would demonstrate with a loud “Glug!” and gulp before or during the song, encouraging Lisa to glug along. The songs were put on a CD so her caregivers at home could play along. They could pause the CD and tell Lisa to glug before starting the music.
A similar, but equally tailored, technique taught Lisa to use a toothbrush. She helped write a “toothbrush song,” and enjoyed brushing the therapist’s teeth as well. As a result, successes like these also benefit the client’s health.
Previously, Lisa was very belligerent—yelling, biting, resisting. No one wanted to work with her at first, but now, with Lisa’s new song, there is fun, laughter, and better health when brushing with Lisa!
What Makes Therapeutic Arts Special?
A Therapeutic Arts Group therapist is not a “human jukebox.” They don’t just sit a person in a room and put on “whatever” music, leaving them alone. Theirs is an intensely personal, tailored effort to benefit the client. TAG works within people’s entire lifespan, connecting with schools, daycare, rehab, physicians, other therapists—whatever prompts the need.
Music therapy and art therapy can sometimes help the immobile to dance; the silent to sing; the verbal to write songs; and the nonverbal to express themselves with colors, objects, and artwork.
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow said, “Music is the universal language of mankind.” In the inner world of the dementia sufferer who is losing control of his or her speech, music can indeed bond and enliven people of all types, if only for a moment.
Contact Therapeutic Arts Group at 610-740-9890, [email protected], or therapeuticartsgroup.com.
The Fall issue of Lifestyles over 50 will feature the Art Therapy work of Therapeutic Arts Group.
