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Greetings,
I’m thinking that by now most of you are convinced that singing is a good thing.
But did you know that your voice and the right song could make a big difference in how well you can do your job?
Now I can just hear some of you saying “You don’t want to hear me sing.” Or “I can’t carry a tune.” Or simply “I can’t sing.”
OK, maybe you’re not going to be the next contestant on The Voice.
News flash! There are no judges amongst the people you serve.
Read on for some practical tips on how to use two simple songs to motivate, energize, or calm. Sound good? Think that might be helpful in your line of work? Watch this E-News in the coming weeks as I share more easy to use strategies and suggestions for using music.
Sing because it could help make your job easier and because it could make life more comfortable for the people you serve.
Singing with you,
Mary Sue
PS. Last week I ran into a staff member who told me his boss had been forwarding my newsletter to him. He said he found it helpful within his own family and thanked me. I hope you’ll consider sending my E-News on to individual staff members, family members and residents. It’s easy to do with the links below. Thanks!
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5 Reasons Why Singing “Works”
- Rhythm is not lost, even as other skills and abilities may change.
- Songs provide a “pathway” to emotional memories.
- People can recall the words to familiar songs from their youth.
- Singing familiar songs makes a person feel comfortable and competent.
- Singing together helps create a positive relationship in the moment.
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2 Simple Songs To Keep In Your “Back Pocket”
For any song you choose, don’t hesitate to sing it through several times.This allows brains that are moving slower to “catch up”. Consider using one song over and over as a cue. It could be a good morning song, a goodnight song, a hello song, a time to get dressed song, a song for bathing. Be a good observer and find out which songs the people you care for like. Remember personal preferences are important. Smile and show your enthusiasm. Have fun!
I’ve Been Working on the Railroad
This song has a strong steady beat and the words are so well known that almost anyone can sing along. It can be used when you want or need to create energy, motivate or encourage movement. Don’t hesitate to sing it more than once.
- Let’s get moving! Invite people to follow your lead as you pat your knees, tap your toes etc. Don’t get pushy. :) Pat on your own knees – not theirs! Keep in mind what they are capable of doing physically so they can be successful. Accept their response or lack of response. Some may show only slight movements. Others may become the leader. If they are not interested they will let you know. Don’t give up. Just try it another time.
- This song is a march. Use its rhythm to help you motivate someone to walk with you from one place to another. But just hum the melody when using it this way. Otherwise you are asking people to do two things at once which may be hard for them.
- Sing this to “distract” and thereby help ease the tension that may surround an unpleasant task such as showering.
- Are people sitting around looking bored? Launch into this song and soon they will be singing with you and tapping their toes.
- Need to encourage a sleepy person to eat? Use this song and other lively songs a half hour before mealtime.
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Irish Lullaby (Too Ra Loo Ra Loo Ra)
What could be more soothing than a lullaby reminding you of your mother? The Irish Lullaby is guaranteed to have a calming effect, especially if you sing it many times through. The words repeat and almost everyone knows it. Don’t worry about the verses, just sing the chorus. This song may well stir up an emotional memory. If it appears to make someone sad find a different lullaby.
- Demonstrate and invite people (with gestures if necessary) to sway gently to the music with their shoulders side to side or by waving their arms (as if directing a choir). For some people you may see only a slight movement of their head.
- If possible sing while rocking. Rocking affects the vestibular system and calms the central nervous system.
- This song could be a perfect goodnight song or a cue for preparing for bed.
- Nurturing is comforting. Provide a warmed towel/blanket or beanbag for the person to cradle and rock as you sing with them.
- Humming this song will also be calming. Vibrations are calming and humming creates vibrations in the mouth.
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 Young at Heart Music Meets Teepa Snow, Dementia Care Specialist
Teepa Snow: www.teepasnow.com
I am delighted to report that I’ll be heading to Nashville at the end of this week to train in person with Teepa Snow. I have been invited by Teepa’s company to take part in their Positive Approach to Brain Change Consultant Certification program. The certification course involves 6 hours of on-line video coursework, 8 hours of classroom training with Teepa and additional follow up.
I am looking forward to sharing what I am learning and would love to talk with you about the training opportunities Teepa Snow provides. I urge you all to visit her website to learn more about her Positive Approach to Care. I promise you, you won’t regret it.
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Songs You Know By Heart is a collection of 18 favorites from the Young at Heart Music program. The CD features Mary Sue’s crystal clear vocals on classics such as Don’t Sit Under the Apple Tree, Let Me Call You Sweetheart,Shine On Harvest Moon, Sunny Side of the Street, You Are My Sunshine and more. Great to listen to and perfect for singing along.
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 Mary Sue Wilkinson is the founder of Singing Heart to HeartTM and the Young at Heart Music Program. She is a career educator and professional musician. And she loves to sing! Her flagship program, Young at Heart Music, is devoted to bringing the joy of music and singing to seniors with decades of life experiences and memories tied to music. Mary Sue is available as a speaker sharing her expertise about the power of music to awaken memories and bring joy. Together with Tiyi Schippers, Mary Sue also provides music experiences for young children and training for early childhood educators.
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