Wellness Arts
Unleashing the power of music…for health!
Wellness Arts is the RSO’s innovative program serving elderly adults suffering from Alzheimer’s and dementia. We know that music is a particularly powerful tool to connect with those suffering from memory-related diseases and we wanted to help. So, we developed a way to address the physical, emotional, cognitive, and social needs of our community’s elderly adults living in long term care.
Through Wellness Arts, RSO musicians present live music in healthcare settings to those suffering from Alzheimer’s and dementia. Our musicians have received special training with a board certified music therapist to present music sessions specifically designed to address the needs of participants. These sessions differ from concerts in that they are participatory and the activities that accompany each musical selection are informed by the American Music Therapy Association (AMTA).
What we have found is that through Wellness Arts, participants demonstrate small but significant changes in behavior, including smiling, relaxing, interacting with others and vocalizing. The sessions can even stimulate memories and provide a place to discuss them. Wellness Arts is grounded in research that demonstrates music is therapeutic to people suffering from memory loss and is beneficial regardless of their level of functioning.
The profound impact of the Wellness Arts program is far-reaching, touching not only clients, but families, caregivers, and musicians alike. Through these powerful music sessions, participants who are dealing with loss of physical, emotional, and cognitive functioning, are impacted by music in ways that help improve mood, manage stress, and stimulate positive interactions with those around them.