‘Songs by Heart’ comes to RCM communities

Retirement Center Management announces “Songs by Heart” as its new Signature Music Program in Memory Care neighborhoods.

Retirement Center Management memory care communities located at The Village of The Heights, The Village of Meyerland, Spring Creek Village, Carriage Inn-Katy and Village on the Park — Steeplechase have partnered with the Songs by Heart Foundation, a nonprofit organization founded by Nancy Gustafson to help improve the quality of life for those who face age-related memory issues through the power of music.

The Songs by Heart Foundation only uses professionally trained vocalists who are both interactive and engaging during the program in order to reach the intellectual and emotional dimensions of well-being of the individual.

A licensed music therapist and memory care expert mentor performers on how to use sensory stimulation for connecting to those with dementia and Alzheimer’s.

The program focuses on popular songs of the 1930s to 1960s. The key is to get the residents singing and reminiscing about songs that they loved and remembered from their youth.

“Words alone cannot begin to express the emotional connection and joy this program gives to those who suffer from dementia. You truly have to experience it in person in order to witness the incredible results and benefits it has on all of our residents,” said Toni Craig, corporate director of resident programs for Retirement Center Management. “A resident who had not opened her eyes or communicated verbally in the past four days prior to the performance, suddenly opened her eyes and was singing along — and after the last song was verbally talking to the singer as well as family members.”

This is just one of the success stories taking place at Retirement Center Management Memory Care communities.