Local Resident Establishes Musical Nonprofit to Assist Madison's Seniors

The new Madison, Wis., nonprofit Bedside DJ uses music to offer companionship for the city's senior population, reports the Daily Cardinal . Bedside DJ works with University of Wisconsin Health and Meriter hospitals to provide hospitalized seniors with music of their own choice. The nonprofit was founded by Michigan State graduate Jake Nitzkin, who said the music — played via a portable speaker — allows for more interpersonal connection between volunteer workers and older adults. "The music essentially is our foot in the door," he explained. "But the companionship that you as a volunteer can have with someone after spending 15 to 30 minutes with them can be incredibly healing." The musical link allows seniors and volunteers to talk about things in a less artificial setting that seniors should find more enjoyable. The requested music also serves to nostalgically remind seniors of their past, elevating their spirits and temporarily relieving anxiety, depression, and/or loneliness.