Council on Aging & Senior Centers

Council On Aging & Senior Centers

We should continue to have opportunities to learn and make meaningful connections as we age. We help older adults manage stress, maintain or strengthen cognitive skills, and provide opportunities for meaningful connections with others.

Our music therapy and creative arts wellness programs are:

Accessible

There is no special talent or previous experience needed to benefit from any of our programs! We create an environment where people feel comfortable listening to, discussing, making music, and getting creative (while having a few laughs along the way!).

Creative

We are not here to perform. We are here to engage participants in the creative process, so everyone can improve their own wellbeing. Participating in active music making, listening, and other creative endeavors has numerous benefits for the aging body and brain, including strengthening cognition.

Goal-Oriented

Our programs and services are thoughtfully planned to meet the needs and identified goals of the group in front of us. We'll guide participants through music and arts experiences that build community, support cognitive health, and improve overall wellbeing.

Service Options Include:

Ongoing Services

Our most effective option for working on targeted goals.

Ongoing music therapy services are the most effective way to build community and work on targeted goals in a supportive and creative environment. Groups and individuals will participate in a variety of music and creative arts experiences over time that may include:

Music and experiences will be chosen based on the interests and goals of the individuals participating.

Accessibility

Adaptive instruments, visuals, and other materials will be provided when needed.

Tracking Progress

All sessions are documented and periodic program summaries are provided. This allows us to make sure that participants are continuing to benefit from the program and make any service adjustments if needed. Relevant handouts/resources may also be periodically provided to program participants.

Short-Term Series

Groups offered in 6 or 8-week packages. Addresses global skill development by focusing on a specific project or skill.

In these Short-Term Series, participants develop new skills, while focusing on a specific creative arts project. Group members will work through the creative process together, with a focus on using the arts to improve overall wellness. We are all about the process, not the product!

Short-Term Series include:

Therapeutic Enrichment Series (focus in one of the following)
- Music and Relaxation
- Songwriting
- Drumming
- Ukulele
- Singing
- Bells
- Theater/Storytelling
Creative Arts Legacy Project

Accessibility

Adaptive instruments, visuals, and other materials will be provided when needed.

Resources and Program Summary

All sessions are documented. A program summary will be provided at the end of each short-term series.

The program summary includes:

notes on what we accomplished and learned in our time together
resources to continue the learning process
any tangible finished project if applicable (art work, song recording, etc.)

Workshops

One-time workshops offer opportunities for community-building and making memories with friends and family.

One-time Workshops are offered periodically throughout the year. They can be provided at our center or your location.

Offerings include:

Community Outing to SEC (take a field trip to our center and participate in drumming, singing, visual art projects, or creative arts games)
Music, Memory & Wellness Presentation
Memory Cafe
Sing and Be Merry (November/December Only)

Accessibility

Adaptive instruments, visuals, and other materials will be provided when needed.

Resources and Program Handouts

Following the workshop, participants will be provided with a summary of what we did, additional fun resources, and any finished project (if applicable).

Professional Development & Staff Wellness

Equip your staff with the knowledge, resources, and tools to improve their own wellness and address symptoms of burnout/stress.

We know your staff are passionate about what they do. We also know that working in any helping profession can be overwhelming at times, leading to burnout and stress.

Our staff wellness programs equip staff with the knowledge, resources, and tools to improve their own personal wellness and address symptoms of burnout and stress.

We'd be happy to partner with you to bring a wellness workshop for providers in the community who support older adults.

Programs available include:

Music and Wellness for Helping Professionals

sing-explore-create-rockland-ma-music-art-therapy-Art-Class

"I would like to put in a very good word for [the music therapist] who brings music to [our local] Council on Aging. Thank you for the work you do and the blessings your therapists are to the community."

-Local Homecare Worker

A Collaborative Approach

Everyone benefits when we collaborate and work together. We value communication between participants, staff, caregivers, and other stakeholders to make sure that we are meeting the needs of the communities we serve. Do you have a program idea not mentioned above? Reach out so we can discuss!

You may only work with one of our music therapists, but you can be assured you have an entire team of music therapists behind the services being offered. We meet regularly to share resources, research, songs, and activities to make sure we are all providing the most engaging, accessible, and effective music therapy and creative arts wellness programs.

Our Services Include...

Become a Community Partner

1. Contact Us

We'll get to know your organization's needs through a quick email or phone call.

2. Choose a Plan

We'll provide you with service options that will best support your organization and its participants.

3. Enhance Your Program

We'll implement a music therapy and creative arts wellness program that builds community among your participants, provides opportunities for continued learning and growth as they age, and improves their overall wellbeing.