Inspire Seniors in Long Term Care Home

I am seeking funds to purchase a fantastic wellness program called, Java Music Club. I work in a Long Term Care Facility, as a Recreation Programmer, there is no money in our Recreation budget for this program so, I decided to see if I could raise the money myself. The license for the Java Music Club will stay with the facility that I work in, long after I retire, so they can enjoy the benefits on an ongoing basis without interruption! We also need chimes as an accessory to the program, these are approximately $200. I have updated the page to reflect the money we need to complete the goal!

Below is a voice clip from a CBC interview with the creator of the Java Music Club, please listen, it will explain what the Java Music Club program is and what is does! This interview will move you, go to the site, put Java Music Club into the "search box" click search, when the clip appears it will have green tri-angles Go to the second green triangle and sit back and be amazed!

http://www.voicebase.com/autonotes/public_detail/135678



Here is a link to an article written by Schlegel Villages of Ontario, they purchased the program for all of their villages in Ontario!
http://schlegelvillages.com/news/node/inside-java-music-club
This article demonstrates why I want to bring this program to the facility I work in! I believe that this program should be standard in all facilities in Canada!

What is the Java Music Club?

The first standardized mutual support program designed to address the critical rates of loneliness and depression across the long-term care spectrum.
A research-based wellness program for long-term care homes, assisted living and retirement homes, adult day centers and community support centers.
A recreation program easily implemented by existing recreation staff"”no musical skills needed.
A unique structured intervention that helps participants reach out and support those that are lonely and isolated in their community.


The Benefits:
The Java Music Club mutual support groups offer emotional and social support, a sense of community, opportunities to help others and increased self-efficacy and self-esteem. The Java Music Club is designed to reduce loneliness and depression in a cost-effective way, and reduce the associated staff burnout, sick time and turnover.
Here are four fantastic reasons to consider this program:
1. It is the first standardized evidence-based mutual support group activity program targeting loneliness and depression across the senior care continuum.
2. It is easily implemented by existing staff and comes with a training DVD.
3. It provides a support structure that encourages participants to help one another "“ to seek out and support their lonely or isolated peers.
4. It also targets the high costs associated with staff burnout, sick time and turnover by increasing staff engagement"”and reduces the tremendous costs associated with loneliness and depression.

Java Music Club participants report:
o A decrease in loneliness
o An increased sense of belonging
o Feelings of empowerment
o The development of new friendships


I would love to bring this program to the facility I work in, I'm hoping that you see the value of this program also. The program has been adapted for Special Care Units ( Alzheimer's and related dementias) it is called Java Memory Care, this will also be in the program. Since inception, 2003, the pilot program of the Java Music Club is still going strong! The program has been implemented all across Canada and in the US as well, the feedback is wonderful, check out the website! Kristine says: "I believe we have the responsibility to provide those in our care a means by which they can offer support to one another. Introducing mutual support groups as a system of care empowers participants to help others and to engage in decision - making, creating a foundation on which we can build a culture of positive mutual support."

The Java Music Club comes with complete program materials including: a large group manual with 52 themes chosen by study participants; 52 large size photographs; 142 songs on 8 CD's recorded in lower singable keys; a hand-carved traditional Aboriginal talking stick; a facilitator's guide and an implementation video. The cost is $2500 + @12%=$300 + fees for donations.

The founder/creator of the Java Music Club is Kristine Theurer, MA(Gerontology) MTA(Music Therapist), here is a link to her website:http://javamusicclub.com/ Below find a short video about the Java Music Club.



The mission of the Java Music Club is to provide a place and time where all can share their experience, strength and hope.