Page 8

GPH News April 2017

The power of music Jim’s reaction is what we started the program for – to have a positive impact on someone’s life. Jim Kenyon and wife Joy. Greenslopes Private Hospital is the first Australian hospital to offer a 24/7 nostalgia radio satellite service to its patients, as a way of improving the quality of life for elderly people while supporting carers and staff. Silver Memories is a channel accessed via televisions in patients’ rooms throughout the hospital. The program, which is based on Reminiscence Therapy principles, broadcasts music with accompanying photo and comedy content from the 1920s–60s. The service is designed to reduce isolation, increase social engagement, stimulate memories and encourage movement to music. 92 year old Jim Kenyon, who was diagnosed with dementia in November 2015, responded incredibly well to the program at Greenslopes Private Hospital. 8 | GPH News – April 2017 His daughter Bev Kenyon said when her father saw a familiar photo or heard an old song, it brought back precious memories. His face lit up and he laughed loudly as he recognised each picture on the screen. “He recognised most of the singers such as Doris Day and Judy Garland – they were all favourites from during the war years and after,” said Ms Kenyon. Silver Memories General Manager Gary Thorpe said “Jim’s reaction is what we started the program for – to have a positive impact on someone’s life. To see the change in him from sitting passively to becoming animated really warms out hearts.” Business consultant Dr Liz Paslawsky has been appointed by the Vincent Fairfax Family Foundation to develop a commercial model to expand the program to other health facilities across Australia. “I’m endeavouring to ensure a triple win-win situation occurring – to benefit residents, support staff and ensure the program is financially viable for the health operator.” “Silver Memories is the first sensory innovation I have seen in dementia care that truly enables staff to ‘step in the shoes’ of residents with dementia and I congratulate Ramsay Health Care for their commitment to continuous improvement,” said Dr Paslawsky. For more information, visit silvermemories.com.au or phone (07) 3847 1717.


GPH News April 2017
To see the actual publication please follow the link above