4 December 2019
Intergenerational music therapy
In November, the Hey Dee Ho children’s early learning centre came to visit and engage the clients in Arcare Craigieburn’s sensitive care unit in an interactive music program.
When the children arrived at the residence, their teacher, Belinda led them into the lounge room to setup their various musical instruments. Several of the children went around introducing themselves to the clients, and to also offer them a musical instrument, so that they could join in.
“These little boys and girls are gorgeous!” Client, Rebecca exclaimed.
Teacher, Belinda started the program with the shimmy of a tambourine and a familiar children’s song. Many of the children and their parents got up onto their feet to sing, dance and make music together. The clients joined in, by clapping, singing and playing their instruments along to the rhythm of the beat, while some others felt more comfortable to just watch.
“This is grouse.” Client, Pat remarked with a beaming smile.
The sound of sweet voice and familiar words filled the sensitive care unit. The benefits of the intergenerational program were evident by the end of the first song, with clients smiling from ear to ear as they watched and interacted with the young children.
The program lasted for just over an hour, however the memories that created lasted much longer, with clients raving about the program to their family and friends for weeks after.
