Rotary Donates iPod Shuffles
ZANESVILLE, Ohio – A local organization helped those with different forms of dementia and other cognitive challenges remember their past.
The Zanesville Daybreak Rotary Club bought 40 iPod Shuffles to be donated to Genesis Hospice and Zanesville Health and Rehab for their Music and Memory Programs. President Michael Bryan said donating 20 iPod Shuffles to both facilities is a great way to give back to the community.
“This was something that has never been done before, so I thought between donating iPods here and also to Genesis Hospice that was a very good use of the $2,000 that we spent for all these iPod Shuffles,” said Bryan.
Bryan found out about the ‘Music & Memory Program’ while serving as a board member of the Area Agency on Aging and decided Zanesville Daybreak Rotary Club could donate to the local care facilities with these programs.
“When I tried to find out who locally did this,” Bryan said. “Again only two folks came up, who provided the program. I think it could be expanded. The research, I can’t imaging the things that could happen down the road with this.”
Zanesville Health and Rehab’s Executive Director Brian Dutiel said they were excited and very gracious for the donation. The iPods will help those suffering from cognitive challenges remember and become lively again.
Photo By: Quay DeVoll
“Part of the memory that’s related to music is actually not effected by that,” Dutiel said. “So the music that comes in and play with that triggers memories from 20, 30, or 40 years ago and we do see patients start smiling and they start singing songs.”
According to Dutiel about 20% to 30% of their residents suffer from cognitive challenges this iPod donation will help the program excel.
“Trying to connect with the iPod Shuffles and the music they’re really familiar with is going to be huge and I think it’s going to make a big difference, because the type of music they listen to,” Dutiel said. “To connect to the memories is going to be key.”
The money for the 40 iPod Shuffles was raised through Zanesville Daybreak Rotary Club’s 12 Days before Christmas Raffle, 2017 John Imlay Rotary Rose Sale, and the Rotary Foundation Auction.
