Mike was a jazz musician. True, that had not been his full-time profession or identity, but it was what he loved. Now that he was in memory care and unable to be independent, Mike was increasingly depressed and agitated. The staff had difficulty in gaining Mike’s cooperation for personal care and administering medication. He was referred to music therapy to help with his depression and agitation.

When VNA’s music therapist, Karen, visited with Mike, she handed him his own guitar usually stored in his closet. He did not know what to do with it, but his words were filled with wonder. In his confused language, he talked about what a beautiful instrument it was. His fingers stroked the strings without making a sound. He looked up at Karen, “We could go on the road. We could sing under someone’s window and they’d give us money.” He talked about getting serious about practicing so we could go on the road together, all the while his fingers tapped and gently caressed the guitar. Karen began to play on her own guitar and sang Willie Nelson’s “On the Road Again.” Mike was almost starry-eyed. In that moment, he had hopes and dreams. He had purpose.

When Karen checked back with the facility before her next visit, they told her how helpful the music therapy session had been. Mike had been much more cooperative, and his spirits seemed lifted. They had even taken to keeping the guitar out so Mike would have access to it whenever he wanted. Each time Mike has a music therapy visit, he is given an instrument to hold. Sometimes he plays it, sometimes he simply holds it, but when the music starts, he always gets that dreamy look of hope in his eyes.

VNA Hospice Care offers music therapy, especially for patients suffering from Alzheimer’s and/or dementia. For more information, please contact Sarah Harris at 214-689-2989 or harriss@vnatexas.org.

It’s that time of year again! VNA Meals on Wheels staff is preparing for our upcoming special holiday deliveries. Last year, VNA Meals on Wheels delivered more than 1.6 million meals to homebound seniors in Dallas County—and that doesn’t stop on Thanksgiving and Christmas!  We invite you and your family to experience the joy of spending your holiday morning and sharing the spirit of giving with our senior neighbors in need.  

Holiday delivery dates and times are as follows:

• Thanksgiving Day – Thursday November 22, 2018, pick up from 8:45 am - 9:45 am

• Christmas Day – Tuesday, December 25, 2018, pick up from 8:45 am - 9:45 am

• Martin Luther King, Jr. Day – Monday, January 21, 2019, pick-up times vary depending on location

To R.S.V.P. for one or more deliveries, please complete the online sign-up form below.