Resources

Welcome to the Team!

Below is some information to help make life easier for you! We want you to enjoy your time sharing your joy of music! Giving back to your community in this way will truly help foster a sense of well-being and enhance the daily lives of the elderly in our communities!

We recognize it may be important for you to log your hours to help you track your personal commitments to employers, honors societies and for college applications! Everyone who participates is serious about dedicating time for a purpose so we ask that you honor one another in your commitments.

Volunteer levels range from weekly to monthly, with the time commitment per one-hour session averaging about 3 hours per week, including preparation time.
Hours can be logged with ____

Log Hours

Please remeber, communication is key to an enjoyable collaboration!

How We Collaborate

We partner with local senior living communities to support their residents in memory care units and work directly with activities directors to arrange performances. Volunteers commit to weekly or monthly performances. Each performance session is an hour long, and averages 1-3 hours of preparation time per session to learn and coordinate performances.

Performances

  • Performance sessions typically occur on the weekend. Usually Saturday 2:00-3:00 or Sunday 3:00-4:00.

  • Volunteers typically work in groups preparing 12-18 songs for each visit (3 to 4 each person that can be solo, duets, or group).

  • Groups work together to determine if they would like to rehearse or collaborate. Everyone arrives prepared for their portion of the performance.

Preparation and Time Commitment

  • Each performance session is an hour long, and averages 1-3 hours of preparation time per session to learn and coordinate performances.

  • Volunteers prepare for visits by identifying and learning music that is familiar and enjoyable to elderly residents.

  • They choose from the resources we provide that are prepared by our Executive Director from meeting with the residents directly.

Material and Resources

  • Residents typically prefer we perform (and encourage sing-along) songs from the 1960s, and 1970s, including Pop, Motown, Broadway, Rock, and Gospel.

  • Resources are provided to simplify planning, coordination, and preparation time.

  • Volunteers are encouraged to engage with the residents and can provide suggestions for material, find resources for the group, and add to the group collection.

Mentor Leadership — Inspire Service

Preparation - What to Expect.

We want you to feel prepared for what is needed and expected in our community performances. Helping caregivers enhance the daily lives of the elderly and particularly of those suffering from Alzheimer's and Dementia can be challenging and uncomfortable. Be prepared for:

Touch

  • Many of these residents do not experience the simple act of touch on a daily basis.

  • Touch plays a vital role in helping us feel connected to one another. It increases oxytocin - lowering blood pressure, easing stress and fear, and promoting feelings of security and wellbeing.

  • Don't be surprised if residents reach out to touch you and don't hesitate to offer them a warm hand or ask them if you can give them a hug.

Confusion

  • This is a common effect of dementia that can be due to damaged brain cells, inflammation, and even side effects of medication.

  • When they say things that aren't true, go along with it - do not correct them.

  • Example: In response to. "Hello Sue, I saw your 12 children earlier today." Do say, " Oh, that's nice!" Do not say, "I don't have kids." or "I am not Sue."

Distraction

  • If a resident says something troubling, it is best to distract them from their thought or behavior,

  • Example: If a resident insists that he needs to get to work, distracting him with a compliment or song suggestion may calm him. Conversely, explaining that he is retired would likely only upset or distress him.

Emotion

  • It is important to keep in mind that music triggers emotions from the past and those responses to these emotions can be good and sometimes painful.

  • Be prepared to support, empathize, and console people with sorrowful responses

There must always be a responsible caregiver available to assist you.

Build Connections — Spread Joy

What to Do

Explore our NVM Resources and become familiar with the genres of music our residents want to hear.

  • Explore our Spotify Playlist

    Find songs you enjoy performing.

  • Checkout our Music Planner Tool

    Use resources for lyrics and backing tracks.

  • Sign up for Sessions with Calendar Tool

    Collaborate with your group to create a schedule.

  • Rehearse - Access Member Directory

    Communicate with the group and work together to plan the performance.

  • Perform and Have Fun!

    Be sure to arrive early to be escorted into the unit and have time to set up. Greet everyone and create a welcoming environment! Don't forget to wear your name tag!

Remember...

We are sharing the joy of music to foster a sense of well-being and enhance the lives of our elderly community. So explore, collaborate and have fun!

  • You Don't have to Play an Instrument

    We can use backing tracks.

  • You Don't have to Sing

    We can partner you with singers.

  • We Perform or Lead Sing-Alongs

    Residents primarily prefer songs from the 60's and 70s, including Pop, Motown, Broadway, Rock, and Gospel.

  • All Instruments are Welcome

    Voice, guitar, piano, keyboard, violin, flute, clarinet, drums, harmonica, ukulele, etc...

NVM Spotify Playlist

Check out our Spotify playlist that showcases examples of music residents have requested of us! We continuously add songs as we always attempt to provide performances that uniquely connect to individuals for the most benefit and impact!

Open in Spotify

Check out our YouTube channel that showcases examples of music residents have requested of us! We continuously add songs as we always attempt to provide performances that uniquely connect to individuals for the most benefit and impact!

Video Showcase

3 Videos

Check out our SoundCloud playlist that showcases examples of music residents have requested of us! We continuously add songs as we always attempt to provide performances that uniquely connect to individuals for the most benefit and impact!

NVM Music Planner

Check out our Spotify playlist that showcases examples of music residents have requested of us! We continuously add songs as we always attempt to provide performances that uniquely connect to individuals for the most benefit and impact!

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Raising our Voices for Care and Connections.

NVM Volunteers