Music Therapy 'a Godsend' for Isolated B.C. Seniors During Pandemic

Ruth Langevin, a music therapist with over 30 years experience, has provided comfort to senior communities in British Columbia during the pandemic, reports the Terrace Standard . In group classes with residents, Langevin encourages participants to sing, clap, use rhythmic instruments like chimes, and move as best they can. Many of Langevin's patients are in various stages of dementia, and she says even those in the grip of advanced dementia can still sing songs word-for-word. "It's in their long-term memory, whereas they won't know what day it is or their phone number or whatever, but they do remember things from their youth," she explains. Langevin's work is funded by the Friends of Nelson Elders in Care through the Osprey Community Foundation, and president of the organization George Millar says studies have proved that music therapy can benefit the mental health of residents. "Seniors who don't really seem to show any alertness even about the general situation going on around them will perk up and pay attention and even get involved some when there's music happening," he notes.