Certified music therapy program offered at Mount Alverno Center in Warwick

WARWICK - Each Friday afternoon, a group of residents, walk down the hallway at Mount Alverno Center behind Certified Music Therapist Melinda Burgard. “As we head towards our meeting room,” said Burgard, “we always sing ‘The Happy Wanderer.’ Everyone knows this song and when we arrive at the familiar ‘Memory Room,’ they relax at the prospect of singing, laughing and playing instruments.” Mount Alverno Center is a New York State approved adult home with an assisted living program on the Warwick Campus of the Bon Secours Charity Health System. Its goal is for each resident to maintain a maximum level of independence. Individualized care plans are designed to help residents reach their utmost daily potential. Services are based on a team approach and are provided by highly competent professionals dedicated to the comfort and safety of the residents. Recently, with monies raised from “Granny’s Attic” garage sales, Mount Alverno has been able to fund a music therapy program throughout this summer. “Hopefully,” said Amy Steinberg, director of recreation, “we can continue this wonderful program with additional funding.” Melinda Burgard earned her Master’s Degree in music from New York University and has been involved with music therapy for over 22 years. She explained that this type of therapy for older adults uses music as a vehicle to achieve nonmusical goals. There is no requirement that the participants have a music background or even know how to play any of the instruments. Most people remember the songs and even if they can’t remember all the words, enjoy singing them. The numerous benefits for seniors include memory recall, positive changes in mood and emotional states, social interaction and anxiety and stress reduction. “The last time we met,” recalled Burgard, “one of the residents said, ‘Thanks for the party,’ and I replied, ‘It was my pleasure,’ because it truly was.” For more information, visit www.bschs.org.