Music and memories Boxes for Nursing homes

Description

‘Music and Memories’ boxes have been specially designed for hundreds of nursing home residents in a pilot program developed by Cork City Libraries and funded by Cork City Council.
The boxes contain 30 photographs of Old Cork, 15 music CDs, a dementia friendly jigsaw and 4 books of old pictures of Cork and Ireland. These are designed to provoke memories because people suffering from dementia and Alzheimer’s have a problem staying in the present and so can go on to develop depression due to disconnect.. The boxes are in place in 10 Cork city nursing homes, the scheme may also be extended to those who are housebound, in an effort to combat isolation and loneliness.
We worked alongside activity coordinators in each nursing home, helping to match the boxes’ contents with the specific interests of the residents. The activity coordinators use the boxes during their sessions and have found the response to the boxes very encouraging.
The contents of the Music and Memories boxes are replaced each month, shared between nursing homes and while available to everyone, are specifically tailored for those with memory loss.
The feedback has been very wonderful with all homes using the boxes several times a week and playing the music daily. It has been noted that often the quieter residents will connect with a picture or music and participate freely in conversations. We are looking at adding value by also including Musical DVDs and nostalgia films as well as simple games that can be played by all.

We have had requests for the M&M boxes for other nursing homes and from Activity coordinators for multiples of the boxes as they are so successful. We are also looking at putting boxes in place for younger people with head injuries who are in nursing homes, understandably these will need different music and books but nevertheless they need to be provided for as well.
Our success has been great but this template can be used by other libraries also and adapted to their specific needs as regards housebound customers and nursing homes.

Aim of Initiative

To prompt conversation for people suffering with Alzheimer’s, Dementia and memory loss, and so create connectivity and decrease the likelihood of depression.
To improve quality of life for the elderly in nursing homes and provide a relevant service to activity coordinator’s in nursing homes

Who is it aimed at

Nursing homes, the elderly, Dementia, Alzheimer’s sufferer’s and sufferers of memory loss.
People with head injuries

3 Steps critical to success

1. Research was vital and the areas of research were.
   1. Activity coordinators and Nursing homes
   2. Suitable music and books
   3. Suitability and availability of pictures for the boxes
   4. likelihood of take up from nursing homes
2. Seeking funding and compliance from Cork City Archive, The Examiner office and The Holly bough to access their photographs. Obtaining the relevant books, jigsaw puzzles and music CDs.
   Branding the project and achieving an attractive presentation format so as to have professional and attractive end product.
3. Putting the boxes together and ensuring all items were added to our systems and branded and logged to ensure easiest format for the nursing homes to work with

   Rolling out the initiative through our house bound coordinators and delivery people and ensuring a smooth and cohesive service to the nursing homes.

3 Challenges in Planning / Delivery

1. Funding is challenging, but we are seeking funding from any channels that are open to us.
   We also are very prudent when it comes to spending on this project without compromising on quality.
2. The laminating and putting together of the boxes is time taking and finding the time and staff can be challenging but we are finding ways to combat this.
3. Lack of suitable material for this group, it requires lots of research and man hours to find suitable materials for the boxes, but it is very worthwhile and rewarding when we see the results of our work.

3 Outcomes / Benefits

1. Boxes delivered to nursing homes in a continuous and effective manner
2. Residents and activity coordinators using the boxes regularly.
   Peoples lives being enhanced at this stage of life with more connect and social inclusion.
   The project is growing and lots more opportunities for growth showing themselves.
3. Word is getting around nursing homes as regards the benefits of these boxes and we are receiving requests from other nursing homes. We are looking at delivering this to housebound patrons in an adapted format.