Melinda's Music

11/14/2025

As a Music Therapist, I always look for instruments that can be a positive and easily accessible experience for my clients. Although this instrument is a prototype, I see so much potential here.

11/09/2025

I’ll be presenting my experiential group about Best Brain Health through Music & Dance with the acronym of SPECS as our guide at the Albert Wisner Public Library in Warwick , NY. The group filled up quickly but there IS a waiting list-Please don’t hesitate to get on that list. I’ve already heard of people being called from that list!

11/08/2025

Our next group meets Friday, December 5th. Don’t miss this grand finale of our residency at the Greenwood Lake Senior Center.

11/03/2025

Music can also help to decrease agitation- but finding the source of why agitation occurs is important.

When someone with dementia becomes agitated, the first instinct is often to “calm them down.” And too often, that leads to a prescription for Ativan (lorazepam) or another tranquilizer.

But, Ativan is not the answer.
In elders, especially those with dementia, these medications can actually make things worse. They can increase confusion, cause dangerous falls, and even lead to hospitalizations.

Agitation isn’t just “bad behavior.” It’s communication.
It might mean pain, infection, hunger, fear, overstimulation… or even something as simple as needing to use the bathroom.

Instead of medicating symptoms, we need to step back and ask:
* What is the real goal of care?
* What is my loved one trying to tell me?

Learn why sedatives often do more harm than good — and how to approach agitation with compassion, curiosity, and smarter care strategies. Read the full article here: https://drlizgeriatrics.com/dementia/medication/agitation-ativan-is-not-the-answer-goals-of-care/

Have you seen agitation improve once the cause, not just the symptom, was addressed? Share your experience below. Your story might help another caregiver today.

11/01/2025

I’ve got a busy November. Let me know if I can help.

10/29/2025

Best Brain Health through Music & Movement
Fri.,Nov. 7,2025
Starts promptly 11:30am $2pp
Greenwood Lake Senior Center, NY

10/26/2025

10/24/2025

I’ll be speaking about Brain and Mental health-as well as Dementia. Come say hello! Going to be an event NOT to miss!

10/23/2025

Great event that I plan to attend! Do you have questions about Music and Brain health? Looking for best arts activities ( especially music and movement) that offer ways to strengthen anyone’s brain? Looking for ways to engage your loved one living with Dementia? Looking forward to talking to you live this Sunday!Mind MattersWarwick Cares

10/18/2025

Grateful to Billy Joel and his Foundation who is supporting NYS Licensed Creative Arts Therapists ( like myself) and is urging Governor Hochel to finally do the right thing and offer access to all in need. We are over 2,000 strong and can ready to help our New York neighbors .