News

As part of their fieldwork placement at the Alzheimer's Society of Nova Scotia, Occupational Therapy students Samatha Troake and Courtney Vokey organized the "Making Memories Through Music" event, in collaboration with an individual living with Dementia.  The aim of the event is to provide those living with Alzheimer's, or other related Dementia, the opportunity to socialize in a safe and accessible environment.  It is hoped that participation in such meaningful activities will result in improved communication skills, mental engagement and memory function for individuals living with these conditions.

The event, which featured live entertainment, was held on March 15, 2014.  It was attended by twenty-nine particpants and staffed by fifteen student volunteers from the School of Occupational Therapy.  The remarks of one attendee, who accompanied his wife who has been diagnosed with Dementia, conveyed the impact of the event "I haven't seen her as active and engaged like this in a long, long time."

Linda Bird, Director of the Alzheimer's Society of Nova Scotia, was also impressed with the event saying, "Courtney and Samatha did a wonderful job organizing and hosting our first 'Making Memories Through Music' event.  In their planning, they paid attention to the needs of individuals living with Dementia and their families.  The event was welcoming, friendly and inclusive.  Whether people danced on the floor or danced in their chairs; it was a joyful afternoon."

• Watch Courtney and Samatha talk about the event on Global Television.