Lyngblomsten kicks off iPod Project for Music & Memory

On May 1, Lyngblomsten, 1415 Almond Ave., will launch the iPod Project for Music & Memory. This month-long donation drive has a goal of collecting enough iPods for each of Lyngblomsten’s 237 Care Center residents. With the help of many individuals, Lyngblomsten will be able to bring the healing power of personalized music on iPods to all of its residents to help them feel connected to their memories, their lives, and each other.

That’s good news according to Andrea Lewandoski, Director of Arts and Lifelong Learning and co-leader of the program.

“Lyngblomsten is fortunate to have the Music & Memory program,” she said. “Past generations made music an integral part of their lives. It’s important that we as caregivers respond to their needs and desires to continue to have music as a natural part of their daily lives.”

Founded in 2010, Music & Memory is a nonprofit organization that helps enhance the lives of older adults in care facilities through the use of personalized music on iPods. Lyngblomsten staff completed training in Oct. 2015 to become a Music & Memory Certified Care Facility.

The program is simple. Staff learns what residents’ favorite songs and styles of music are by asking the residents and their family members. Lyngblomsten volunteers load the personalized playlists onto iPods, and residents receive an iPod customized with their favorite music.

While the program may be simple, its benefits are powerful. In addition to being an enjoyable and fulfilling activity, listening to music has been shown to:

• Awaken memories from the past, leading to a more engaged life

• Reduce anxiety and agitation

• Lessen reliance on certain medications

• Enhance socialization

While originally designed for persons with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia, the program has been successfully used with older adults suffering from chronic pain, depression, and anxiety.

In addition to enhancing memories, two of the greatest benefits of listening to personalized playlists are that it enables a sense of individuality and is a valued and fulfilling activity for residents.

How you can help

Contribute to the May iPod Donation Drive.

Here are three ways you can help bring the healing power of music to older adults during Lyngblomsten’s month-long iPod donation drive in May.

1. Donate a gently used or new iPod.

2. Donate an iTunes gift card.

3. Designate a monetary gift to Music & Memory/Artful Living at www.lyngblomsten.org/donate.

There will be collection boxes on the Lyngblomsten campus to drop off in-kind and cash donations.

Kick-off event

Come to Lyngblomsten on Tue., May 10, to learn more about the Music & Memory program and kick off the Lyngblomsten iPod Project with a special showing of the award-winning documentary “Alive Inside,” a joyous 70-minute cinematic exploration of music’s capacity to reawaken our souls. The film is showing at 6:30pm at Lyngblomsten, 1415 Almond Ave., and is open to the community. Allow 90 minutes for the film and discussion. Admission is free. Donations of iPods and iTunes gift cards are greatly appreciated.

Have questions about the Music & Memory program at Lyngblomsten? Contact Andrea Lewandoski, Director of Lifelong Learning & the Arts, at 651-632-5318 or alewandoski@lyngblomsten.org, or visit www.lyngblomsten.org/musicandmemory.