Memory Disco is a multi-sensory musical experience in which a number of wireless headphones are connected to one transmitter allowing each participant to listen to the same music at the same time. The room itself might be quiet, but in the headphones residents are able to listen to music, stories, and even spoken affirmations that are chosen specifically for their activity or group.

Memory Disco, pioneered by national grassroots group, The Day By Day Project, focuses on active listening, multi-sensory experiences, and even breaking down communication barriers to improve connection with residents.

“Friendship Haven happened upon Memory Disco by a chance meeting at a National Leading Age Conference,” said Melissa Nanninga, director of human resources, who also wrote the grant for Memory Disco. “Our team member was attending the event when the co-founder, Anish Ganesh, introduced himself. He asked if he could share his vision for helping residents with dementia connect with their loved ones through music.”

Nanninga said Ganesh’s story was so compelling that a Zoom meeting with Friendship Haven’s Life Enrichment team was scheduled.

-Submitted photo
LFriendship Haven resident Karen Rix dances during Friendship Haven’s most recent Memory Disco event.

“It was an immediate success,” said Nanninga. “Due to the size of our campus, we felt we could enrich the lives of more residents if we could obtain more units. The team again submitted another grant application for two more units, and the application was approved.”

The two additional units arrived at Friendship Haven last week, now allowing residents in Assisted Living, Journeys Memory Care, and The Simpson Health Center to participate in Memory Disco.

“It is very exciting to provide the opportunity to our residents, team, and families to connect through music,” said Nanninga.

Abby Learned and Makenzie Kelly, both activity directors at Friendship Haven put the wireless headsets to immediate use with Memory Disco events. The results, they said, were astounding.

“A resident started crying because they hadn’t heard that song in years and said it was wonderful to hear again,” said Kelly.

-Submitted photo
Larry Grebner plays the air guitar with his cane during Friendship Haven’s recent Memory Disco event.

“A resident is a huge Iowa fan and was thrilled to hear the Iowa Fight Song,” added Learned. “Another resident can often be seen conducting the band during their time with the headphones.”

“Two non-verbal residents cried when they each wore the headphones,” added Nanninga. “One was able to sing along with a song they knew and form some words.”

“Another resident and their family member danced together,” added Kelly. “One resident is hard of hearing, so their family uses it to communicate as they can now hear each other perfectly.”

Memory Disco is now an ongoing project at Friendship Haven. Kelly and Learned expect to schedule many more events.

The Memory Disco units were purchased with funds awarded through the Mission Vision grants that Friendship Haven awards.

“The Mission and Vision Fund sustains our mission of providing innovative and responsive services for aging adults,” said Nanninga. “Donations to this unrestricted fund empower us to respond to ever-evolving needs and uphold our vision of residents and caregivers living full lives with faith, passion, and purpose, both now and in the future.”