John Martin's Proposal 

The Project: Meeting the corroborated need of a structured, multi-dimensional music program for the memory care community at Trezevant Episcopal Home 

As Therapeutic Dementia Program Manager of the community, I am responsible for transforming the myriad of social programming, resident behaviors, general interactions into therapeutic moments of engagement, and training and empowering staff to do this. In consulting primary care staff, there is a great need for music on a group and individual level as an intervention strategy. 

Using my experience with geriatric populations and skills with music, I will be able to accomplish this project in the way that this community needs. 

Obviously, this project will go along with my interest in reaching vulnerable older adult groups with enrichment, but will also give me a greater understanding of how I might eventually branch out into other marginalized groups such as those with learning and attention differences. 

The Population: These are residents with mid to late stage dementia (mostly Stage 5 and 6 using the Global Deterioration Scale).

Applying what has been discussed in our class with neuroscience research, specifically the push for person-first thinking and applying UDL/SEL principles, these people living with dementia need to be met where they are as individuals and given opportunities for belonging and engagement, especially, but not limited to, when dementia sundowning sets in. We are seeking to repurpose wandering and agitation during those times. 

Experts: 

Dr. Alaine Reschke-Hernandez         

Tom Davis, skilled in music and memory implementation 

Creative Aging of the Mid-South