I've noticed that my mom really responds to music these days and seems much happier when listening to it or singing along. Music entertainment happens only once a week at her assisted living, so I'd like for her to have it in her room every day. It's wonderful to see her happy. She doesn't even know how to use a phone or turn on the TV any longer. Not written directions because I'm not even sure she can read now, although I see her with opened books occasionally. I think she's just looking at pictures.
https://www.alzstore.com/simple-music-player-dementia-alzheimers-p/2115.htm
I can't possibly imagine how you'd get your mom to be able to listen to music unless it was on all the time at a low volume and maybe she'd just have to turn it up or down? Would she know to do that? UGH again. I so hate this disease.
Wishing you the best of luck trying to figure this out. Sometimes no matter WHAT we do it doesn't work.
hate this disease
Radios would also work, especially stations with minimal commercials.
I read in your profile that your mother's in a small AL home; could you make arrangements with the staff or owner, for perhaps a nominal extra amount, to turn on a radio or the tv in the morning, and shut it off at bedtime...or maybe just leave it on all night as the music may soothe anyone else who hears it?
If I asked her to start playing "Chopin' at 8 am, she would until she was 'told' to play something different at a different time. She wouldn't have to say "Alexa" or even remember the commands. And one set fairly close to mom, but not within her reach could be very workable.
Alexa keeps lists, rings alarms, etc. Your mom wouldn't even have to touch it, And if pre-programmed, she wouldn't have to talk to it.
When you visit, you could change the settings by voice command. So she gets a variety.
I'm NOT a fan of TV, so the Alexa, for me, since I practically live alone (DH travels 3/4 weeks every month) is very soothing and fills the 'empty space'.
My SWEET SIL has HIS Alexa programmed for 'songs for mom' on it. All my faves. The g-kids hate it, but what a sweet gesture on his behalf, right?
The only thing I’ve found for my dad with dementia is a simple CD player. He can’t make it go but I play his favorite music when I visit and his aides will also turn it on for him.
When finished we put it and the CDs on a high shelf so he can’t lose them or break the player.
His old country music tunes are so calming for him. He can still sing along a little .
She also has NO capacity to connect a radio or the ubiquitous non-used TV in her room with any sort of pleasant experience for herself, so whatever could work for her would need to be TOTALLY AUTOMATIC on a timer that I could control myself, preferably from MY HOME (a distance of about 3 miles).
I have some access to some electronic audio technicians- will post if I find anything helpful.
MANY THANKS TO YOU, ArtistDaughter. I’ve been letting this VERY IMPORTANT ASPECT of her care go unaddressed for far too long, in the endless swirl of meeting basic needs. You’ve given me a much appreciated kick start!!!