A Month of Melodies Launched with Mariachi Musicians

Mariachi musicians, Mexican dancers and churros have kicked off a month of music at Kellyville’s aged care centre, BaptistCare The Gracewood Centre. 

Residents enjoyed the top tapping and spirited performance of Sydney’s premier Mariachi Band, led by guitarist and singer, Hector Patricio.

The Gracewood Centre’s Music Melody Month will see residents enjoy a host of musical performances throughout the days and evenings, as part of BaptistCare’s ongoing music therapy program.

“We’re bringing our residents together over a celebration of music, and filling their home with music, while their everyday life is happening around them,” says Jan Martin, Residential Manager at BaptistCare’s The Gracewood Centre, in Kellyville.

“Just as we have the radio playing in our cars, at home or at work, we want residents of The Gracewood Centre to be able to enjoy music as a continuing presence in their lives,” said Ms Martin.

BaptistCare’s Registered Music Therapist, Barnetta Lesta, is convinced of the power of music therapy, which has proven to be incredibly helpful to older people, especially those living with dementia.

“We know that music can have a profound effect, allowing older people to reminiscence by evoking memories and emotions,” says Ms Lesta. “The music we experience from early childhood right into our senior years identifies us and it is connected to our personal memories in a powerful way.”

“During Music Melody Month, our residents will hear piano music while enjoying dinner; a flautist playing gentle melodies in the corridor as they settle down for the evening or a jazz combo in our new café as they sip their coffee with visiting family and friends.”

For those living with dementia, music has been termed the 'super-stimulus',as it penetrates the veil of dementia to assist with rhythmic response and song words. This encourages an improved mood and social interaction, while reducing agitation and depression, as well as a positive awakening of the inner self as residents reconnect with who they were and are today.

Music therapy literature shows that the instrumental timbres of the harp, flute and violin can penetrate the senses deeply, and promote comfort, rest, and calm.

“The soft, slow, low-pitched vocals and musical items, such as our harpist in the evening, will help to reduce anxiety, stress and awareness of any pain for residents. In contrast, the loud, fast, high-pitched and highly rhythmic musical items, such as our Mexican Fiesta party held on Saturday, will stimulate, arouse, uplift and facilitate strong engagement and interaction among our residents.”

“We see some really lovely connections and experiences between residents, staff and families when we introduce music,” explains Ms Lesta. “It’s quite special.”   

The Gracewood Centre opened in February 2017 and includes 138 spacious rooms as well a café that overlooks subtropical landscaped gardens, hair and beauty salon, therapy spa, chapel, covered terraces, and facilities for family gatherings.

Find out more about BaptistCare.