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group drumming circles

ELDER PROGRAMS

Gentle rhythm. Real connection. Better days.

Our Elder Care Drumming program brings chair-friendly rhythm circles and soothing one-to-one sessions to assisted living, skilled nursing, memory care, adult day programs, senior centers, hospice, and private homes. We meet participants exactly where they are—physically, cognitively, and emotionally—to nurture calm, spark joy, and strengthen social bonds.

Why Rhythm Helps Older Adults

  • Regulates mood & reduces agitation through steady, predictable patterns.

  • Supports memory & language by pairing rhythm with familiar songs, call-and-response, and reminiscence cues.

  • Encourages movement (range of motion, hand-eye coordination) with gentle, seated drumming and light percussion.

  • Builds connection in a group setting that feels safe, dignified, and fun—even for those who rarely engage.

  • Accessible for all abilities: fully seated, soft-volume options, and sensory-friendly sets.

Who It’s For

  • Residents in Assisted Living, Skilled Nursing, Memory Care, and Adult Day programs

  • Older adults living with dementia/Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, stroke recovery, hearing/vision changes

  • Hospice & palliative participants seeking comfort and presence

  • Caregivers & families requesting one-on-one or small in-home circles

What a Session Looks Like

Length: 30–60 minutes (most communities prefer 45 minutes)
Format: Seated circle or bedside visit; we bring sanitized drums and quiet, tactile instruments.
Flow: Warm welcome → rhythmic “hello” → guided patterns (call-and-response) → gentle movement → favorite songs/remembrance → quiet close with breath and soft tones.
Tone & Volume: Calm, inviting, and adjusted to your environment (low-stimulus sets available).

Program Options

Group Circles

  • Ideal for 8–18 residents (we adapt to your room and staffing).

  • Themes: Reminiscence Rhythms, Sunny Mornings, Calm Afternoon, Family & Friends, Holidays.

One-to-One / Bedside

  • Personalized pacing for memory care, hospice, or those who are shy or easily overstimulated.

Low-Stimulus Sets

  • Soft instruments, slower patterns, dim lights—designed for sensory sensitivity or sundowning.

Chair-Friendly Movement

  • Light rhythmic stretches for shoulders, wrists, and fingers; supports range of motion and circulation.

Clinician-Aligned Sessions

  • Collaboration with OT/PT/SLP/TR goals (e.g., pacing for breath/speech, cueing movement, turn-taking).

Outcomes We Aim For

  • Fewer restless moments; more calm and regulation

  • Smiles, eye contact, and participation—even among quiet residents

  • Singing, tapping, and storytelling tied to familiar music

  • Gentle motor activation (hands, wrists, shoulders) and breath regulation

  • A consistent, uplifting activity your community looks forward to

“Residents who rarely join activities now sit through the whole session—and smile.”

Safety, Accessibility & Dignity

  • Fully seated and wheelchair-friendly

  • Volume-controlled instruments; ear-safe facilitation

  • Trauma-aware and dementia-sensitive approach; never force participation

  • Instruments sanitized before every visit; backups on hand

For Activity & Clinical Teams

  • We handle set-up/tear-down and bring all equipment.

  • Short pre-session huddle welcomed (resident notes, sensory needs, birthdays, favorite songs).

  • Optional brief progress notes (engagement, mood, motor participation) after each session.

  • In-service available: “Using Rhythm for Regulation & Engagement in Memory Care” (30 minutes).

Outcomes We Aim For

  • Fewer restless moments; more calm and regulation

  • Smiles, eye contact, and participation—even among quiet residents

  • Singing, tapping, and storytelling tied to familiar music

  • Gentle motor activation (hands, wrists, shoulders) and breath regulation

  • A consistent, uplifting activity your community looks forward to

“Residents who rarely join activities now sit through the whole session—and smile.”

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