Public Invited to Dementia Documentary Screening at North Carolina Retirement Community

News provided by

United Church Homes and Services

Aug 31, 2015, 17:00 ET


Newton, North Carolina (PRWEB) August 31, 2015 -- The Sundance Film Festival award winning documentary “Alive Inside” is being screened at Abernethy Laurels on Tuesday, September 1.

“Alive Inside” shadows a social worker who advocates for the use of music therapy for dementia patients through his nonprofit “MUSIC & MEMORY℠.”

“It’s a documentary about bringing music to residents in health care centers who may have lost a spark in life and the music has a way of reawakening that spark,” said Amy Carter, Director of Activities at Abernethy Laurels.

Abernethy Laurels is in the process of bringing the program, MUSIC & MEMORY℠, to their campus.

“Our team has already experimented a little bit with a handful of residents and it’s proved to be successful. Bringing music to people always makes them happy whether they’re one year old or a hundred years old,” said Amber McIntosh, Executive Director at Abernethy Laurels.

The hope is to collect enough iPods, and music players to bring music to about 100 residents residing in the health care center at Abernethy Laurels.

“By having separate iPods for folks, we can really tap into people’s individual preference. Plus, different music preferences help you reach different emotions. I think it really will work out well to help us engage with residents and to allow the residents to engage with us,” said Carter.

Organizers hope the screening of the documentary will create community awareness. Several local youth groups have agreed to help program the technology and playlists.

“Music certainly has a positive effect and we’ve seen this, and the film demonstrates how it can greatly improve quality of life,” Carter added.

“Alive Inside” can be seen Tuesday, September 1 at 6:30pm in the Community Center at Abernethy Laurels. Doors open at 5:30pm. It’s free and open to the public.

Donations of iPods and music players, as well as monetary donations will be accepted on behalf of Carolina Style Chorus, a women’s chorus group who is spearheading the MUSIC & MEMORY℠ program at Abernethy Laurels.

Abernethy Laurels, a not-for-profit retirement community in Newton, NC takes pride in its history and tradition of excellence. While the community offers a wide range of first-rate amenities, it is surprisingly affordable. For more information, visit http://www.abernethylaurels.org or call toll free 877-637-7941 or 828-465-8519.

Shaylyn Ladd, United Church Homes and Services, http://www.uchas.org/, +1 828-465-8028, [email protected]