Brian Lenten’s fondest memories have one thing in common: music.
During a holiday to Elsternwick in 1949, Brian recalls his uncle had just purchased a gramophone.
“It was a big deal back then. He only had one record, Ghost Riders in the Sky,” Brian said.
And thanks to a new program at Golden Oaks Nursing Home – Silver Memories – Brian was transported back to the days spent listening to that record.
“It was wonderful to think back to those times. Hearing the song play on Silver Memories was special,” he said.
Silver Memories is a specialised nostalgia music service providing reminiscence therapy for people living in aged care. Playing music from the 1940s to the 1970s, Silver Memories is broadcast to televisions around Golden Oaks via satellite. The program, available 24/7, also plays slideshows of photos from various locations.
Lifestyle Coordinator, Tracy Skinner, knows first hand the impact the program can have.
“My grandmother was in Joan Pinder a few years ago. Silver Memories was being implemented there, and every time I’d visit, she’d chat about going to church or the café her family owned when she was younger,” she said.
“[Silver Memories] was a great conversation starter.”
Tracy was keen to get the program underway at Golden Oaks.
“About three years ago I started the process of trying to implement it but the auxiliary didn’t have the funding, as it’s quite costly.
"When our new Nurse Unit Manager, Linda, came across from Joan Pinder, she started sending me the weekly programming. When I said we didn’t have Silver Memories here, she was surprised. The funding became available, and that’s when we really got the ball rolling,” Tracy said.
Installed at the facility in April this year, Tracy said the program is already making a difference.
“Particularly for residents with dementia, it’s good for reorientating. If someone is having a bad day, the program can help redirect their thoughts, and it’s a good distraction if residents are feeling lonely,” she said.
“We also know music engages the brain more, and we’ve had residents who aren’t very mobile start tapping their toes.”
Brian said Silver Memories has been great for his wife, Margaret, who has dementia.
“Margaret and I have been reminded of the holidays we took to Victor Harbour and Surfers Paradise. It’s very soothing for her,” he said.
Over the next few months, Tracy hopes to provide more education to nursing staff on how Silver Memories can be utilised.
“It doesn’t just help lifestyle, it helps the nursing staff as well. It’s a great way to engage in conversation and helps with some behaviours.
“The more education we get across to staff and the more Silver Memories is utilised, the more benefits it will have,” she said.