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
In Ocean CountyBay Head, 08742
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In Monmouth CountyAllentown, 08501 |
We have two locations, one in Toms River and one in Freehold.
Toms River, NJ
67 Rt 37W, Riverwood Plaza 2
Toms River, NJ 08755
Phone: 732-505-2273
Fax: 732-505-9445
Freehold, NJ
61 Georgia Road, Rm 116
Freehold, NJ 07728
Phone: 732-876-3900
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.
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/
