Located in the Northeast part of Winnipeg, Bergen Gardens is a state-of-the-art facility redefining the senior living community. Bergen Gardens is a facility that puts its resident's wellness at the forefront and music therapy plays a pivotal role in promoting wellness. Derived from the sustained commitment to holistic care and community engagement, Bergen Gardens utilizes music therapy to provide entertainment and mood stimulation to its residents. This blog dives into the power music therapy possesses in promoting wellness, examining its cognitive, emotional, physical, and social benefits for the residents.
The Power Of Music At Bergen Gardens
At Bergen Gardens, music therapy is an approach to wellness that not only provides residents with entertainment but also numerous benefits that enhance the day-to-day lives of the residents. Through various structured live music sessions, weekly music therapy in the cottages, and weekly hymn singing, music therapy is tailored to cater to the unique needs of the residents, whether they are in assisted living or memory care. Music therapy can provide residents with an array of benefits that include, cognitive, emotional and psychological, physical, social, and therapeutic.
Cognitive Benefits
Music therapy has been proven to be one of the most effective forms of therapy for seniors facing cognitive challenges such as memory loss and dementia. Studies have indicated that music tends to stimulate the neural pathways in the brain that are associated with memory recall and cognitive function. At Bergen Gardens, residents are constantly surrounded by music, whether it is calming music being played throughout the building at all times or the weekly live performances every Friday. This form of music therapy enhances cognitive function by the familiarity of the melodies and rhythmic patterns. Music therapy has become a prominent tool in treating and improving cognitive function for those facing challenges.
Emotional & Psychological Benefits
Music is known to have a drastic impact on the well-being of seniors, having the ability to reduce the impacts of anxiety, stress, and depression. At Bergen Gardens, the musical environment provides the residents with an outlet to express their emotions and find peace and relaxation in music. The calming music played throughout the building can provide a relaxing environment to the residents where they can thrive and be the best versions of themselves. Music can aid in the release of dopamine and reduce cortisol levels, thus leading to a calming effect which can provide relief from emotional and psychological challenges.
Physical Benefits
The benefits of music therapy aren’t only limited to providing mental benefits, it also can provide numerous physical benefits. Musical-related activities like playing instruments and dancing can improve resident's coordination and physical mobility. Bergen Gardens fosters an environment that encourages participation and engagement, and this environment allows all residents to participate and discover the physical benefits music can provide.
Social Benefits
Music is a powerful social tool that has the ability to gather communities and forge relationships. The weekly musical performances in the atrium at Bergen Gardens warrant a large gathering of residents which can foster social interaction between the residents. These social gatherings centred around music can help the residents develop friendships and share their musical experiences. This can aid the residents in feeling a sense of belonging in the community. Music also has the ability to bridge generational gaps, which can create meaningful interactions between residents and their families.
Therapeutic Benefits For Specific Conditions
Music therapy can provide therapeutic benefits to individuals living with health conditions that are common among seniors like Alzheimer’s and dementia. Music therapy can help seniors living with these conditions by evoking memories, reducing stress, and enhancing cognitive function. Music therapy can also provide benefits for seniors undergoing cancer treatment and symptoms of anxiety, depression, and pain, as it can help with relaxation.
Benefits For Caregivers
Caregivers can also benefit from music therapy. Caregiving can be a demanding job that can be rewarding but also stressful, and music allows caregivers to unwind from the demands of the job and receive a therapeutic break. By integrating music into daily routines, caregivers and residents can enjoy joyful, relaxing environments where communication is enhanced.
Integrating Music Into Daily Life
Integrating music into the daily lives of residents at Bergen Gardens is a beneficial form of therapy. Whether this is attending the weekly musical performances in the atrium or just simply strolling through the lobby and hearing the calming music playing, music is routinely a part of the resident’s lives at Bergen Gardens. Residents are always welcome to participate in musical events like live musical entertainment, hymn sing, and sing-alongs. Music therapy is incorporated into multiple activities throughout each week, allowing all residents to reap the benefits.
Overall Well-Being: The Holistic Benefits Of Music Therapy
Music therapy is a prominent form of therapy at Bergen Gardens, and residents are invited to use music as a way to promote well-being through stimulation, physical activity, and social interaction. By using music as a therapeutic medium, it exemplifies the commitment Bergen Gardens has to improving the quality of life of its residents. To experience the profound benefits of music therapy firsthand, consider scheduling a visit to Bergen Gardens and discover the harmony of music in senior care.
Explore our music therapy program; it’s one of many Bergen Gardens attractions and witness how music enriches the lives of seniors. Contact us today to learn more about our holistic approach to senior wellness through the power of music.
In conclusion, music therapy stands as a testament to the profound impact of music on senior health and well-being. At Bergen Gardens, it's not just about listening to melodies—it's about fostering a therapeutic environment where music becomes a catalyst for transformation and enrichment in the lives of seniors.