Did you know that the Recreation Team at Menno Place uses music to intentionally engage with residents across the campus in all levels of care? Music is a powerful connector. It connects us back to ourselves and our memories as well as connecting us to each other and the broader community.  Using music to engage and create a connection with our residents is one of the most powerful tools we have.

The recreation team brings in music through Concerts in Care, sing-a-longs, music therapy, special guests and programs like Java Music and Music Care. Recently one of the staff was able to connect in a special way with a resident named Lola. The staff member asked her if she knew any songs with the name “Lola” in it and proceeded to sing the lyrics to a song called “Lola” by The Kinks. The resident recognized the song but said that her favourite was the song, “What Lola Wants, Lola Gets” and then asked for a cup of coffee. The staff member happily got the coffee for her as they laughed over the accuracy of the song.

Linda Weatherly, Manager of Therapeutic Recreation and Volunteer Services, summed up the importance of music saying, “Music brings life to everyone, it is the connection between the past and the present.”

The Recreation team is delighted to announce that they are in the final stages of completing their certification and will officially be Music Care certified this September.

You can learn more about the Music Care program here: https://youtu.be/xZEoWkjVGJo