It’s no secret that Catherine Threlfall has a huge passion for music and its many benefits. Caitlyn Morgan sat down with the music therapist to discuss the impact the Generations Music Together program has had on residents at Chaffey Aged Care, Merbein, and Jacaranda Village in Red Cliffs. Pictures: Carmel Zaccone
THERE is something quite special about seeing two generations, potentially more than 80 years apart, enjoy a shared love of music and dance.
This is a weekly occurrence at Chaffey Aged Care in Merbein and Jacaranda Village in Red Cliffs, with children up to five years old visiting the facilities and spending an hour dancing and singing along with residents as part of the Generations Music Together program.
The program, which is a partnership between Hands Up Mallee and Sunraysia Arts and Learning, was introduced in Sunraysia 12 months ago.
“The aim is to have our youngest generation connect with the eldest through music,” Sunraysia Arts and Learning’s Catherine Threlfall says.
“Making music together connects people in ways that few other activities can, and this type of class bridges the generations by helping seniors, staff, parents, and kids form new and satisfying relationships.
“It’s beneficial to all those involved.”
Catherine says there is no shortage of smiles, laughter and happiness filling the room when the residents are eagerly greeted by their young friends each week.
“These classes are popular with elders because the fun songs and children’s liveliness and laughter help to brighten up everybody’s day,” she says.
“Many report the classes as the best part of their whole week.”
While Catherine admits she knew the program would provide many benefits to those involved, it exceeded her expectations.
“The impact of the classes as been pretty powerful in some cases,” she says.
“We have often seen people with dementia become very present and living in the moment and we have seen many friendships formed with families often spending extra time with the residents after the class.
“Music joins people together and creates a joyous experience.”
Chaffey Aged Care physiotherapist Madelyn McPhee is among the staff who often join in and has seen first hand the impact the program has made.
“One resident sleeps most of the day but once they are in Generations Music Together they are wide awake and get involved,” she says.
“Another (with dementia) always remembers what day the classes are on and refers to it as kids day.
“The program gives them quality of life, it gives them something to look forward to.
“They love the songs and getting to play a variety of instruments.”
Term 4 begins at Jacaranda Village on October 16 and Chaffey Aged Care on October 18 and will run for nine weeks.
