By April Henkel
Local volunteer leaders Martha Huskins and Paul Lundquist have both witnessed the extraordinary power of music in dementia care — not just in theory, but in deeply personal ways.
“My mother loved the Brass in the Grass group who came to our home and performed — so much so that she began directing them from her wheelchair,” Martha recalls.
In that moment, she wasn’t defined by memory loss. She was animated. Engaged. Leading.
Today, Martha and Paul continue to see that same spark during The Coffee Club, a group respite program offered by Dementia Caregivers & Friends. Volunteers intentionally incorporate music into each gathering — and often, dancing follows.
“Dotty and I met on the dance floor, and music and dance were always part of our lives,” Paul shares. “As volunteers, we can help others see the power of music and dance.”
Whether it’s tapping a toe, clapping to the beat, or standing to sway together, music often reaches places that conversation no longer can. A familiar melody can unlock joy, reduce anxiety, and create moments of connection that caregivers treasure.
That transformative power will be explored more deeply at Meaningful Days with Music & More, a free one-hour program hosted by Dementia Caregivers & Friends on Thursday, March 12, from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church (51 Town Square, Burnsville).
Caregiving can make days feel long and repetitive. Many families rely on safe, familiar routines — folding laundry, watching television — while wondering how to create more meaningful engagement. This interactive session offers practical, creative ideas caregivers can use right away at home.
A special focus of the March 12 program will be the impact of music. Participants will see a demonstration of the My Music NC program, available free to North Carolina family caregivers through the Dementia Alliance of NC. The program helps families create personalized playlists tailored to their loved one’s history and preferences.
In addition to music, attendees will explore:
- Ways to transform everyday household tasks into purposeful activities
- Creative approaches to incorporating art
- Simple games that spark engagement
- Dementia-friendly outings around the county
Please RSVP to help organizers prepare handouts and refreshments. To reserve a seat, email DementiaCaregiversWNC@gmail.com or scan the QR code.
The program is sponsored by Dementia Caregivers & Friends and made possible through support from the Community Foundation of WNC / The Yancey Fund, the High Country Area Agency on Aging and Pensacola United Methodist Church. For more info, contact April Henkel, 850-228-1228.
