Bentleigh RSL Supports Music & Memory Program at Vasey Brighton East

Music & Memory is a program that uses music to help bring back memories. Thanks to the Bentleigh RSL, Vasey RSL Care's call for support for the program has been answered with a generous donation of 40 iPods and 40 sets of headphones.

President of Bentleigh RSL, Ian Butcher, Welfare Coordinator Sylvia Lindsay, Ben Richardson and his wife Margaret, recently visited Vasey RSL Care Brighton East for afternoon tea, as a small gesture of thanks for the generosity of their organisation.

“This is a wonderful gift,” says Anna Borkowska, Residential Manager at Vasey Brighton East. “Whilst our residents in the Memory Support Unit are the first to benefit from the program, we have other residents who are showing the beginnings of memory loss who will gain greatly from it as well, and enjoy hearing the music and songs from all the special times in their lives.”

The most important part of the program is determining what music and songs have meaning for the resident. Staff members ask about the music the resident likes, or speak to family members, and put together a unique play list for every individual taking part in the program. Music is very personal, and finding just the right music for each individual is the essence of the program.

“If we can bring a smile to just one person, then it will be a success,” says Ian Butcher, President of Bentleigh RSL.

The program is certainly achieving that, with a number of residents already set up with their playlists. Now, with the addition of 40 sets of equipment, many more residents will be able to participate.

It is thanks to Vasey Brighton East staff members Jason Starr-Nolan (Lifestyle Coordinator) and Rose Capp (Team Leader) that the program has been launched, with two primary aims for residents who have dementia: to improve their overall well being and quality of life, and to reduce symptoms of anxiety and restlessness that can occur.

Click here to find out more about Vasey RSL Care.