Commun ty Matters Parsons Presbyterian Manor
New giving option now available
Your old vehicle could help “drive” the Good Samaritan Program at a Presbyterian Manor senior living community of your choice.
You can donate your car, truck, boat or other unneeded vehicle through PMMA’s new vehicle donation program. When you call the toll-free number, we’ll arrange to pick up the vehicle, even if it’s not running.You will need to provide your vehicle’s title with the vehicle. Its sale price is then tax deductible.You can consult IRS Publication 526 to help you figure its current value. GIVING OPTION
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July 2015
Music and Memory project coming to Presbyterian Manors Few things are more personal than musical tastes. Favorite songs trigger rich memories and influence our moods. Social worker Dan Cohen launched an effort in 2008 to bring individualized music to residents in long-term care.
Cohen founded the nonprofit Music & Memory, which provides residents in long-term care with iPod personal music players that are loaded with each recipient’s favorite songs. This year, the Missouri Coalition Celebrating Care Continuum Change, or MC5, granted $24,000 to provide the Music & Memory Certification Program at no cost to 40 Missouri care provider organizations – including Rolla Presbyterian Manor. As a result, employees at all of the Presbyterian Manors in Kansas and Missouri can now receive the training at a reduced rate.
Kim Fanning, senior vice president education and training for Presbyterian Manors, said all of the PMMA communities are taking advantage of the opportunity. Training sessions for employees take place in June and July. Parsons Presbyterian Manor employees will receive training during the July session. “I have music I prefer, and so does everyone,” Fanning said. “It has the benefit of reducing aggressive behavior, improving mood and increasing socialization.”
The 40 Missouri communities, like Rolla Presbyterian Manor, that receive the program for free also will get starter kits with new and used iPods, headphones and iTunes gift cards. The other communities will build up their collections with fundraisers and donation drives, Fanning said. Then they will rely on volunteers to load each person’s chosen songs onto their music players. “I see this as intergenerational opportunity and a good volunteer piece, because we have to sustain this program and customize playlists,” Fanning said. She said some communities already are reaching out to residents in independent living to help other residents set up their players. And she thinks it would be a good opportunity for teens to earn community service credit for school.
Donating your vehicle is a win/win. It becomes a tax deduction for you, and it helps support the Good Samaritan Program at Presbyterian Manor.
In spite of its name, Fanning said the Music & Memory program isn’t limited to residents in memory care. Once enough players are available, any resident will be welcome to plug in and play the music they love best—whether that’s Beethoven, Count Basie or the Beatles.
To assist Parsons Presbyterian Manor with building up its supply of iPods and iTunes cards, contact Babette Collins for more information at 620-421-1450.