Helping you connect with your most cherished memories

 

Connect Thru Music is an initiative inspired by the award winning documentary, Alive Inside, which illustrated the power of music and its ability to connect people who have Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia with memories, feelings and sense of self otherwise lost to the disease.

Our program, which is part of Caregiver Volunteers of Central Jersey’s Alzheimer’s Respite Care Program, takes this a step further. We connect a young person and an elder. They share life stories and share their music. Our goal is to not only bring back memories through music; we want to create a bond between the generations, empower and increase empathy in this young person; reduce loneliness in and bring joy to the elder; and increase hope for their loved ones.

 

How Does The Program Work?

The students and adult volunteers participate in a specialized,  two-hour preparation workshop which includes discussion on the themes from the film Alive Inside, facts about dementia, music and the brain, and a “how to” on creating their new elder buddy’s favorite music list. Their training experience includes self reflection, a hands-on dementia “stimulation” exercise and encourages empathy towards elders and joy in the journey.

Then, through regular visits in the home of the elder, the young person along with an adult mentor, will learn their new buddy’s life story and discover the musical soundtrack of his/her life. Using technology, the young person searches for their buddy’s favorite songs. They listen to the music together sharing the experience. Their buddy will receive an Alive Inside Memory Player filled with their newfound “music list” so  that he/she can continue to reap the benefit of the music even when their new “buddy” isn’t with them.

 

FAQs about Connection Thru Music

Do I qualify for Caregiver Volunteers of Central Jersey services?
In order to be eligible for our program, an applicant must be over the age of 60 and no longer driving.
What areas does Caregiver Volunteers of Central Jersey service?

In Ocean County

Bay Head, 08742
Bayville, 08721
Beachwood, 08722
Berkeley Township, 08721
Brick, 08724
Forked River, 08731
Island Heights, 08732
Jackson, 08527
Lakehurst, 08733
Lakewood, 08701
Lanoka Harbor, 08734
Lavallette 08735
Manchester, 08759
Mantoloking, 08738
Normandy Beach, 08739
Ocean Beach
Ortley Beach, 08751
Pine Beach, 08741
Point Pleasant, 08742
Seaside Heights, 08751
Seaside Park, 08752
South Toms River, 08757
Toms River, 08753, 08754, 08755, 08756, 08757
Whiting, 08759

 

 

 

In Monmouth County

Allentown, 08501
Asbury Park, 07712
Belmar, 07719
Bradley Beach, 07720
Brielle, 08730
Colts Neck (limited), 07722
Eatontown (limited),
Englishtown, 07726
Fair Haven, 07704
Farmingdale, 07727
Freehold, 07728
Howell, 07331
Lincroft, 07738
Long Branch, 07740
Manalapan, 07726
Manasquan, 08736
Marlboro, 07746
Morganville, 07751
Neptune, 07753
Oakhurst (limited), 07755
Ocean, 07712
Ramtown, 07731
Red Bank (limited), 07701
Sea Girt, 08750
Spring Lake, 07762
Spring Lake Heights, 07762
Tinton Falls (limited), 07724
Upper Freehold (limited), 08501
Wall, 07719

Where is Caregiver Volunteers of Central Jersey located?

We have two locations, one in Toms River and one in Freehold.

Toms River, NJ

201 Hooper Avenue
First Floor, North Suite
Toms River, NJ 08753
Phone: 732-505-2273
Fax: 732-505-9445

Freehold, NJ

61 Georgia Road, Rm 116
Freehold, NJ 07728
Phone: 732-876-3900

How Much Does it Cost?

Our program is funded through the Ocean County Office of Senior Services, private donations, and fundraisers. Funding to launch this program in Monmouth County in 2019 is provided by Impact 100 Jersey Coast. All funds go towards volunteer training, background checks, volunteer insurance, and administrative costs. Because of the generosity of people like you, we are able to provide the families we assist without charge.

To make a tax-deductible donation, visit our donation page or send a check made out to CVCJ and mail to:

67 Rt. 37 West, Riverwood Plaza 2 – 2nd Floor,
Toms River, NJ 08755.

Our tax ID number is: 223197568.

Are there other resources in Ocean or Monmouth County that can help me?

We’ve gathered a list of resources beneficial to those with disabilities, seniors, and caregivers located in Monmouth and Ocean County. You can view them at this link: https://caregivervolunteers.org/community-resources/

Community Resources