Making Memories with Ron Smith Care Centre: RSCC introduces music therapy for residents: River Lodge 3

Friday, 28 October 2022

RSCC introduces music therapy for residents: River Lodge 3

Rand Aid’s Ron Smith Care Centre (RSCC) residents are loving their new weekly music therapy sessions.

According to the South African Network for Arts Therapies Organisation, music therapy uses music as a therapeutic intervention to address emotional, cognitive, physical and transpersonal needs, among others. It aims to develop potential and improve quality of life through prevention, treatment or rehabilitation.

“Music therapy fits in well with the Eden Alternative practised at RSCC, which is revolutionising the way in which Elders are cared for,” says Debbie Christen, Rand Aid’s head of recreational programmes.

RSCC pioneered person-centred care by becoming the first organisation in Africa to achieve Milestone 2 on the Eden Alternative Registry in April 2020.

“The Eden Alternative initiative ensures that we bring the highest level of care and well-being to our residents and takes into account their holistic well-being, not just their physical care,” says Debbie.

Registered music therapist Annelet Prinsloo started music therapy sessions on RSCC’s River Lodge 2 and 3 in October.

“The sessions involve listening to music; remembering and enjoying songs from the past; singing along to well-known songs; music and movement; rhythmical activities with various percussion instruments; and gentle movement and relaxation. Our residents and staff are loving it,” says Debbie.