Sing for the Moment: A Landis Communities Program at Landis Homes

Landis Communities celebrates dementia and other brain changes through its Sing for the Moment (SFTM) Choir, hosted at Landis Homes. This social engagement program provides an opportunity for people with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias a safe place to make joyful music. The choir fosters joy, friendship, self-esteem, confidence and a strong sense of belonging for participants. The choir made up of people living with dementia and care partners performs two concerts a year. It is our hope that Sing for the Moment raises awareness about Alzheimer’s and dementia to help reduce the negative stigma associated with the disease. It is about living life to the fullest for this moment in time.

The smiles of the choir are evident at each weekly practice and in the concert. The SFTM program has helped so many to increase their social participation and decrease the isolation that frequently happens for people living with dementia.

The team has built a relationship with each member of the choir, greeting each by name when they arrive. They foster a lighthearted atmosphere filled with laughter, joy, and compassion, truly embodying our core values. It is because of their weekly dedication to the choir that participants come back yearly.

One participant soloed at the Spring concert. In addition to the neurological benefits of recalling the words, rhythm and melody to the song he sang, he chose the song, Stand by Me as a public thank you to his wife. He shared, with tear-filled eyes, that she stood by him through his multiple medical procedures and recovery.

“I commented (actually raved) about what a wonderful opportunity this SFTM choir is! For 8 weeks it’s a meaningful time for my mother, father, and myself to be together with a group of people to interact and experience pleasure. Singing is one of the few things my mother can still participate in as conversation declines. Hearing her sing songs from the past is like hearing the faith that she lived throughout her life. I also was impressed by a few of the songs that were new to her, she could partially learn to sing along. The way you relate with such kindness and respect for the singers who live with dementia was a good model for us all.” – Family Member

Joining the choir is free to anyone who wants to participate. Landis Homes provides the space, music, pianist, conductor, and coordinator to make the program possible.

To learn information about Sing for the Moment and their upcoming spring program, please email sftm@landis.org.