The elderly woman was crying when Ruth Langevin arrived for their session. It wasn91裸聊视频檛 clear why she was upset, so Langevin held her hand for a time until she gathered herself.
Langevin was scheduled to work with the Nelson Jubilee Manor resident on turning her poems into songs, which they91裸聊视频檇 done before as gifts for other residents. The woman took piano lessons in her youth and could explain to Langevin how she thought the song might be played.
As they spoke, the woman remembered how her piano teacher used to reward her for playing well with a rendition of by Norwegian composer Christian Sinding.
Langevin didn91裸聊视频檛 know the song, but she had a music app on her phone. It only took a moment to find and play 91裸聊视频淩ustle of Spring.91裸聊视频�
91裸聊视频淪he just sat back, she closed her eyes and she cried,91裸聊视频� said Langevin. 91裸聊视频淎nd she said, 91裸聊视频業 have not heard that piece in 60 years.91裸聊视频�91裸聊视频�
This is the comfort Langevin, a music therapist with over 30 years of experience, has provided during the pandemic in local seniors facilities where families are restricted from visiting and recreation options are limited.
Music therapists, who are considered an essential service, are among the few visitors allowed in B.C. seniors facilities. Langevin91裸聊视频檚 activities with residents include group classes where she can be a performer, composer and cheerleader all at once.
There91裸聊视频檚 nothing passive about her classes. Instead, she encourages her participants to sing, to use rhythmic instruments like chimes, to clap and move as best they can.
The classes are a part of Nancy Mackay91裸聊视频檚 routine at Mountain Lake Seniors Community in Nelson.
Mackay has two children living nearby who she hasn91裸聊视频檛 been able to visit with during the pandemic. But she says her year has been OK, in part because of Langevin91裸聊视频檚 classes which Mackay says accommodate residents who never learned how to play an instrument.
91裸聊视频淭hey still have music in their heads, even if they haven91裸聊视频檛 learned any instrument,91裸聊视频� she says. 91裸聊视频淚 think they still have tunes going on through their heads.91裸聊视频�
Jean Broster, another resident at Mountain Lake, is one of Langevin91裸聊视频檚 regulars with no music background.
But for her, music is a time travel machine. In her room she keeps cassette tapes she used to play on Saturdays at home when her daughters were still growing up.
91裸聊视频淚 look today at my big container sitting there with all the tapes and think of all the good times we had over 50 years.91裸聊视频�
Many of Langevin91裸聊视频檚 seniors are in various stages of dementia. But music still speaks to them, in sometimes surprising ways. Langevin says even participants with advanced dementia can still songs verbatim.
91裸聊视频淚t91裸聊视频檚 in their long-term memory, whereas they won91裸聊视频檛 know what day it is or their phone number or whatever, but they do remember things from their youth,91裸聊视频� says Langevin.
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, seniors facilities had many more options for activities.
Rose Anderson, the recreation co-ordinator at Nelson Jubilee Manor, says she used to rely on volunteers to entertain residents. That might mean trips into the city, coffee dates, calling a game of bingo or even bringing in bands to play.
91裸聊视频淭hen COVID hit, and all that stopped,91裸聊视频� says Anderson. 91裸聊视频淎nd all that we have left is music therapy, which has been like a godsend.91裸聊视频�
Langevin91裸聊视频檚 work is funded by the Friends of Nelson Elders in Care through the Osprey Community Foundation.
George Millar, president of Friends of Nelson Elders in Care, says studies have shown the benefits of music therapy to the mental health of residents.
91裸聊视频淓lderly people who don91裸聊视频檛 really seem to show any alertness even about the general situation going on around them will perk up and pay attention and even get involved some when there91裸聊视频檚 music happening.91裸聊视频�
Anderson has also seen it first hand. Residents whose cognitive functions are impaired will sing along with Langevin, tap their toes and even move a little despite physical limitations.
91裸聊视频淚t91裸聊视频檚 something that you kind of have to witness to see how wonderful it is,91裸聊视频� says Anderson.
In a class, Langevin tries to make eye contact with residents and incorporate aspects of their past into her songs. If a person enjoys gardening, for example, Langevin will sing a song for the green thumbs.
And when it works, when a resident either sings along or just taps their foot, it91裸聊视频檚 those small glimpses of life that reward Langevin.
91裸聊视频淚 feel honoured to go because it91裸聊视频檚 all about improving their quality of life and not letting them deteriorate because of loneliness or depression.91裸聊视频�
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| tyler.harper@nelsonstar.com
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