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MUSIC THERAPY PROGRAM
Music therapy is much more than the playing of music to an audience. It
is a specific, learned health service similar to occupational and physical
therapies. It can improve memory recall, create positive changes in mood
and emotional states, reduce anxiety and stress and provide an increased
sense of control in its participants. It can mean the difference between
withdrawal and awareness, isolation and interaction, chronic pain and
comfort, and demoralization and dignity.
Long term care residents away from their original home, neighbors, family
and friends often feel extreme isolation. Music therapy has shown great
success in promoting, maintaining, and even restoring mental, physical
and emotional health. It offers an opportunity for communication, expression
and pleasure.
It is not unheard of for profound changes to occur as a result of Music
Therapy. At least one such instance has taken place at Carewest where
a gentleman suffering from Alzheimer’s, who had not communicated
coherently for months, began to sing along to old swing and jazz songs
from the World War II era – songs he likely danced to as a young
man. Although his voice was barely audible, he sang the words to one song
after another. However briefly, this gentleman was at peace and able to
emerge from the isolation of Alzheimer’s where he was unable to
recognize even his own family.
The Music Therapy Program has been an extremely successful program, popular
with residents and families alike. This program is 100% donor supported
and is a priority program at Carewest Colonel Belcher.
Cost per program: $15,000 per year (50 weeks)
HOME HOST PROGRAM
The proposed Home Host program is another quality of life initiative that
offers Veterans increased interaction throughout their day. These are
simple, non-medical, daily living interactions that nursing staff simply
do not have time to include in their rounds. While the Colonel Belcher
offers several planned activities throughout the week, many residents
are not well enough to participate.
At the Colonel Belcher residents are grouped in “neighbourhoods”
of 30 residents. Each has unique characteristics and challenges. Those
that would most benefit from the Home Host Program include:
Dieppe/Dover
– frail residents with physical and sensory challenges
Highlander/Lancaster – mobile residents in early
stage of dementia
Strathcona/Tecumseh – residents with increased
behavioral challenges
Atlantic/Churchill – late stage dementia residents
with high physical care needs
The Home Host program would
provide support workers with dementia support training in the each of
the neighbourhoods on a daily basis.
This program would provide the opportunity for residents to engage, at
their personal level of ability, in an activity, a conversation or any
other non-medical interaction.
Wherever possible, the Home Host would encourage them to make their own
daily living and wellbeing choices and offer the support they need to
optimize the abilities that they still possess. It would offer a level
of contact that quite simply provides a break from isolation and loneliness.
A Home Host would be available to spend time with all the residents in
their designated neighbourhoods. They may simply hold hands, calm an anxious
moment or respond to those who call out but don’t require the care
of a nurse.
Home Hosts $32,500 x 4
Neighbourhoods - $130,000
OTHER NEEDS
From time to time the Colonel
Belcher requires additional items to enhance the quality of life of residents.
The following list of acquisitions to date provides an idea of the range
of these. Carewest Colonel Belcher keeps a list of current needs which
are purchased as funds become available. If you wish to contribute for
a particular item, please contact us to find out current “Wish List”
needs.
USE of DONATIONS
Funds raised by the Society have been applied to more than $900,000 of
spending on the following:
Outdoor shelter
Woodwork shop
Ceramic/craft room
Artwork
Television
Fireplaces
Auditorium light fixture and installation
Handrails for courtyard, power to garden, handicap access
Fence/divider for back patio
Front Entrance Furniture - 8 wrought iron tables
Raised planters
Curtain tie backs, tables, deck boxes, umbrella stand.
Paratransit bus
Gazebo
Gantry-style overbed lifts (donor designated)
Arjo Encore Lift & Standing Sling (donor designation)
Arjo Encore Lift with scale
Arjo Carendo Bath Chair
MOTOMED Exercise bicycles
Oxygen saturation monitor (donor designated)
Digital cameras printers & supplies (donor designated)
Pressure Guard mattresses
Commode / Shower chairs
Shower wheelchairs (some donor designation)
Chaplain Program
CB Chapel Padre Philip Costain (donor designation)
Caregiver Education (donor designation)
Patient Comfort (donor designation)
Coffee & newspapers - Site Leader's Fund
Caregiver Education (donor designated)
All donations are tax deductible.
Thank you for your
thoughtful consideration of these needs. For further information please
contact the Campaign Team. |