Personalized playlists have powerful benefits for many individuals with a wide range of cognitive and physical conditions. We’re seeing some wonderful outcomes for people with intellectual or developmental disabilities (IDD) living in state care settings in Wisconsin and Texas.
These residents have complex medical and behavioral issues. A significant number have lived in the state-run facilities for decades, since childhood. Cognitive conditions, medical complications and mental illness, as well as agitation, self-injurious behaviors and aggression toward others can be part of the mix. Some are non-verbal.
Others are relatively independent, working in the community or at day habilitation programs
Direct care staff play a key role in helping to identify which musical favorites work best, as close observers of subtle mood changes. Eye contact, a smile, greater alertness speak volumes. Read more about how pilot programs in both states have demonstrated that Music & Memory is a “high reward, low cost, low risk program.”