Podcasts Health Eldercare Illuminated Let There Be Music: The Power of Music in Caregiving

Let There Be Music: The Power of Music in Caregiving

Published: Sept. 10, 2019, 8:20 p.m.

b'Eldercare Illuminated launches its fourth season with an interview of professional
musician Mary Sue Wilkinson, who spends her days bringing live music to assisted
living facilities, memory care units, and nursing homes. Mary Sue shares her thoughts
about the role of music in caring for someone with dementia \\u2014 and the opportunity
to enhance your loved one\\u2019s life in myriad ways through live and recorded musical
experiences.

The Rolling Stones\\u2019 lead guitarist Keith Richards has said, \\u201cMusic is a language that
doesn\\u2019t speak in particular words. It speaks in emotions, and if it\\u2019s in the bones, it\\u2019s in
the bones.\\u201d For individuals with dementia, music can spark what\\u2019s in the bones to rise
to the surface for moments of clarity and happiness.

About Our Guest:

Mary Sue Wilkinson is the founder of Singing Heart to Heart\\u2122 and the Young at Heart Music Program. As a career educator and professional musician, she discovered the power of music to awaken memories and bring joy. Today she specializes in using music in dementia care. Her book, \\u201cSongs You Know By Heart: A Simple Guide for Using Music in Dementia Care,\\u201d her sing along CDs and her E-Book \\u201cFinding Memories through Music: A Family
Interview,\\u201d as well as other resources are available on her website: https://www.singinghearttoheart.com/home.'