Multi-Room Audio Helps Ease the Stress of Alzheimer’s Patients 09/01/2010
Music has tremendous power, probably more than we even realize. Music has the ability to move us and capture our emotions. As we all know: “Sad songs say so much.” Certain types of music have been shown to help students retain more information when they are studying. All of which makes whole home audio systems so attractive. A recent story in Electronic House highlights how a multi-room audio system actually helps Alzheimer’s patients live more comfortably at an Alzheimer’s care facility in Oklahoma.
The director of the facility explains that planners insisted that the system be included in the facility because for many of the residents, music was a large part of their lives and it can be used to help stimulate pleasant memories of the past. The music comes from Internet radio and a special satellite channel created for the facility. And because the caregivers know their patients so well, they are able to customize the musical experience for each resident based on their likes and dislikes. The system provides music throughout the facility, including the 66 residents’ bedrooms.
According to the article, “Research shows that recalling sounds evokes memories of youth, increases self esteem, and puts dementia patients in a better mood.” It just plain makes them happier.
For all the talk about how home automation technologies can make our lives simpler, more efficient, safer, and of course more fun, here is just one example of how these technologies can help people.
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