Having access to quality resources can make a world of difference in the application process. These days the eldercare industry is blooming with new ones.
Here are seven eldercare music resources. (Click on the names to go to the resource.) They are in presented in alphabetical order. Those links marked with an * are affiliate links. If you buy them through the link, I’ll receive a few cents from the sale.
1. ElderSong Publications
While this company sells much more than music resources, what they offer is of quality. While the singalong books and CDs have been around a while they provide access to some classic tunes in singable keys. For the non-musician or when the musician is sick, these can be a God-sent. Plus, when you buy the needed amount songbooks through them, you won’t be worried about the copyright police coming to your facility door.
Check out the review of “Travel Unlimited“. It will give you a feel for the many other products provided by this company.
2. The Joy of Music in Maturity* by Joan Shaw
This book was included in an earlier session planning post. This book was first published in 1993 making some of the music recommendations out of date. However, it can still inspire and speed a lot of your session preparation. It has enough session starters for each week of the year. Plus, there are rumors a new edition is being released.
3. Musically Engaged Seniors* by Meredith Hamons, MT-BC
Meredith Hamons, MT-BC has created a wonderful resource of 40 sessions plans along with resource lists. Having movement, instruments and CDs recommended makes this a great resource for eldercare communities.
4. Music Memories and Meaning* by Hamons, Jenkins and Befi-Hensel
There is so much to like about this resource. Check out the review of this eldercare resource.
5. Session Cafe*
This membership site provides music therapist and musicians with:
- Over 60 time-tested session starters for senior living
- Over 2 dozen intergenerational session starters
- Training and support materials for creating and leading intergenerational programs
- Materials to support self-care
- Along with lots of quick sips of ideas to inform your life and your sessions
6. Singing Heart to Heart
This is a new to me resource. Mary Sue shares resources, her CDs, and lots of great tips to help the non-music therapist feel more at ease sharing music.
7. Soundscaping Source
This is one of Rachelle Norman’s websites. I particularly like the Song Spotlights. Each spotlight provides a little song history and lots of thoughts to help you in sharing music in your senior living community. Plus they remind me of some songs I may exclude from my share list.
