Nursing homes in South Dakota will have the ability to add the Music and Memory℠ program as a result of a $402,500 grant award from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). The grant is funded with civil money penalties assessed in the state.
The Music and Memory℠ program brings personalized playlists into the lives of those struggling with Alzheimer’s, dementia and other cognitive and physical challenges to help them reconnect with the world. Music can trigger deep memories not lost to dementia and can improve participants abilities to converse, socialize and stay present.
The program will be made available at no charge to long term care facilities who choose to participate. Facilities will receive hardware such as iPods and accessories, as well as materials and training, including webinars and in-person training.
The goal is to implement the program at approximately half of the facilities in South Dakota during the first two years of the grant. The remaining facilities would be able to request participation after the initial two-year period.
The South Dakota Association of Healthcare Organizations (SDAHO) joined the South Dakota Health Care Association, South Dakota Foundation for Medical Care, South Dakota Department of Health and Office of Health Care Facilities Licensure and Certification to submit the grant application.
Additional information will be shared as it become available.
