This morning i met with Dan Cohen the Managing Director of 'Music and Memory' and Louise Dueno the Recreation Manager at Cobble Hill Care facility in Brooklyn. It was one of the most fascinating conversations....
Ipods - a technology that is used by many of our community to choose and select music for pleasure. So why can't individuals within Care facilities or individuals with Dementia have this same pleasure?? - Dan Cohen's belief that everyone should have access to the newest technologies.
At present there are round 75 - 100 Ipods being used in Cobble Hill, where the members chose and select the songs they want. From patriotic, gospel, opera and rock - specific to their taste. If the member has problems deciding on music, families, carers and friends are asked to participate and choose certain music (25-200 Songs are chosen)..and can be changed quite regularly if wanted. The project itself is now developing with podcasts and audio books too.
When speaking to Dan and Louise they hope the project will develop in the way of Ipads too - choosing the right Apps and accessories for various members. Not only does it improve well-being from negative to positive, it is an activity that the member can carry out alone and always has the option to. The staff have been trained on using the equipment but it is very much led by the participants themselves. I think its a great concept!! And imagine young students teaching the elders how to use an Ipad?! - A way of changing the stigma and making technology accessible to ALL ages.
