Warrigal Bundanoon recently received a donation of iPod’s from the Rotary Club of Bowral-Mittagong.

The  iPods will provide significant benefits to residents with dementia.

Music and Memory kits contain an iPod shuffle, individualised music, two sets of headphones, a splitter unit and a battery charger, which will be used at Warrigal Bundanoon to improve the quality of life for 33 residents living with dementia.

The Music and Memory program was first rolled out at Harbison Care and the Rotary Club of Bowral-Mittagong raised about $11,000 which enabled kits to be sent to Harbison and now Warrigal.

The program involves personalised music systems for residents with dementia and also supports those who are in pain, feeling depressed or isolated.

Research has shown that music can unlock memories and assist cognitive function which can help those living with chronic cognitive and physical impairments to recall memories and reconnect with family and friends.

The program involves individualised music being played to those suffering from cognitive impairment, in particular dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

Other benefits that have been linked to Music and Memory Program include residents feeling happier and more social, relationships among staff, participants and family deepening, staff regain valuable time previously lost to behavior management issues and everyone benefits from a calmer, more supportive social environment.

Warrigal CEO Mark Sewell said they were excited to implement the program at Warrigal.

“We are excited to be a part of this innovative program which will provide significant benefits to our residents and would like to thank Rotary for their kind donation.”