Music To Remember Wny Inc

My mom was diagnosed with the onset of dementia in 2010 and passed away in 2018. We began to notice changes in her behavior, and that she was becoming more forgetful, accident prone and more confused. We encouraged her to move from our childhood home to a senior apartment complex, where she would have more interaction and help as necessary. Her condition deteriorated and she was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. She could no longer live independently. My sister and I did a lot of research to find the best assisted living/memory care facility for her.

Having been a professional musician and entertainer for 40 years, I knew how important music and this kind of communication was to most people, and especially to my mom. There were times that Mom became very agitated and upset, often fixating on certain topics for no reason. I found that by playing and singing with her, she became calmer and more like her old self.

As the disease progressed, she had an extremely hard time talking and struggled putting together a whole sentence. That was heartbreaking as she was a brilliant communicator, and had been a teacher for all of her adult life.

The thing that NEVER left her was the ability to remember her favorite songs and sing all the words without fail. It was always magical when I played music for her.

Knowing that the rest of the residents in her facility were enduring similar situations, I wanted to offer music to the entire assisted living facility. Park Creek was kind enough to let me bring in 18 different musicians to entertain the residents. It was a resounding success.

It was magical. I saw the power of music and how it brought the memory care seniors to life and how they smiled, danced, laughed and sang along. Music was the key to bringing them back to their life. It gave their family members the chance to have their loved ones shine like they did before the onset of the disease.

When Mom eventually had to be placed in a skilled nursing facility, I started to play frequently in her advanced memory care wing. Once again, the power of music made a difference. Otherwise unresponsive residents became animated and participated by singing and clapping.

Having reached my present age, I have lost a number of family members in recent years. This has given me a new perspective on the value of qualities of happiness. I now have the opportunity to help improve the quality of life for many seniors and vets, and honor Mom’s memory at the same time. I am deeply grateful.

Robin Grandin 

President

Music To Remember WNY

A program dedicated to bringing the healing power of music and entertainment to seniors, Alzheimer's and dementia patients, veterans, Individuals with disabilities and their families.