Alzheimer's Association, Concordia Conservatory & Wartburg Offer Free Fall/Winter Music Program

Wartburg, a senior service provider located in Mt. Vernon, introduces the “One Heart, One Voice Chorus,” an interactive choir for those living with Alzheimer's disease or other forms of dementia and their caregivers. Wartburg’s award-winning, internationally recognized Creative Aging & Lifelong Learning program is offering free classes on Mondays from September 12 to December 5 at 1:00pm-3:00pm in the Wartburg Chapel. This program is still open to those who would like to join

Supported in part from a grant from the New York State Department of Health and in partnership with the Alzheimer's Association and Concordia Conservatory, the One Heart, One Voice Chorus shares, celebrates and remembers the joy of singing. Caregivers and their loved ones suffering from Alzheimer’s or dementia are invited to take part in this unique program.
Each session will feature music, light refreshments and support for those with memory impairment and their loved ones.

"It is so nice to spend time with my wife in choir. It is truly one of the only times that I feel like I am actually with my wife now that she has Alzheimer's. I look forward to the concert where our entire family can see my wife in her element,” said BL whose wife is part of the program.

Studies have shown that music has a positive effect on those living with memory impairment. By pairing music with activities, music evokes emotions that bring with it memories that can improve cognitive ability over time. And because musical aptitude and music appreciation are the last remaining abilities in individuals living with dementia, it is an excellent way to move beyond the disease and reach the person while bringing emotion and physical closeness with their loved one. Through this engagement, music can shift mood, manage stress and stimulate positive interactions with their caregiver. Wartburg has cared for the community since 1866 and are proud to now bring Creative Aging beyond its campus and into the community.
The program will culminate with a One Heart, One Voice Concert on December 10th. Registration required. To enroll or for more information please contact Ann Frey at afrey@wartburg.org or call 914-513-5114 wartburg.org

“Music is the key to our soul. Where words leave off, music begins” – Heinrich Heine

Wartburg, located in Westchester County, NY, offers integrated, comprehensive senior residential and healthcare services for all stages of life. Unlike conventional senior service providers, Wartburg provides a wide range of services to both residents living on campus and people in their own homes. From independent, assisted living and award-winning nursing home care to inpatient/outpatient rehabilitation, home care and adult day care services, Wartburg’s continuing care approach has earned them a trusted reputation in Westchester. Wartburg also provides caregiver support at every stage, with an array of options to find the right level of care for the individual while also considering the needs of the whole family. Wartburg’s award-winning, internationally recognized Council for Creative Aging & Lifelong Learning program allows residents and those in the community to express themselves through art, song, theater, poetry and oral histories. The Creative Aging & Lifelong Learninginitiative promotes increased emotional health and social engagement for seniors through a wide range of arts-based programs led by professional teaching artists trained to develop the creative capacity of older adult learners.

Wartburg continues to celebrate their 150th anniversary in 2016 with numerous planned events and activities. Ahead of their time since its inception in 1866, Wartburg began as an orphan farm school in the wake of the Civil War. It now serves area seniors through residential and at home healthcare services. Founded on the principal and belief that caring for the whole person is an essential component of a rich and happy life, nurturing body, mind and spirit have remained a key component of Wartburg’s mission as their unique array of programs have grown; expanding their community impact and honoring the lives of seniors during their century and a half of service.

More Information About the Festival, Wartburg’s History and Programming
Festival Link: http://wartburg.org/event/wart...
Wartburg Website Homepage: www.wartburg.org
Wartburg Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/thewartburg
Wartburg Twitter Page: www.twitter.com/thewartburg
YouTube Page: www.youtube.com/wartburgny
Creative Aging Stories and Historical Archives:http://www.creativeagingstorie...

Photo: Participants in the ““One Heart, One Voice Chorus” at Wartburg.