Pathways is a singing program that enhances the quality of life and care for people living with dementia.
Pathways is comprised of three components: a video series of 13 30-minute episodes led by an expert singing host; activity booklets with 325 accompanying activation ideas; online training comprised of six short tutorials. There is a bonus audio CD for each episode including the Pathways theme song, breathing music, instrumental and vocal tracks of each song in that specific episode.
Participants are invited into a singing experience that is non-threatening, warm and respectful.
Pathways is a ready-to-use music care resource that can be facilitated by singers or non-singers.
Pathways may be used in various settings like long term care, retirement homes, complex continuing care, hospitals, day programs, Alzheimer support groups, hospices, and private homes.
Some benefits of Pathways
- Ready to use
- No musical expertise required
- Led by an expert singing host
- Hundreds of hours of repeatable, interactive programming
- Flexible program delivery
- Captivating and colourful images
- Multi-sensory appeal
- Closed captioning option
- Evokes memories
- Sparks conversations
- Engages people in music-making
- Reduces isolation
- Improves mood and engagement
What people are saying about Pathways
Facilitators
- They want to do Pathways again and again and that is welcome news for an activity aide.
- If it wasn’t for Pathways, they may never have had the conversations.
- Everything is here to do our job.
- Pathways makes them laugh and smile, brings back old memories and makes new memories. It’s very positive.
- Anybody can do it. If music isn’t your forte, Pathways makes you feel very comfortable.
- Every time, it’s been a success! Residents are singing, tapping their toes, engaging in conversation, clapping with Briar.
- Singing together is different from talking together because it involves our imagination and our emotions and what we do with our bodies – tapping our feet, clapping our hands, moving.
- I love that it is ready to go. It’s animated. It’s engaging. It’s moving and not dull.
Participants
- Whenever I sing, I live the words. I like all of it. I like music period. It brings back memories.
- I like this program. It’s entertaining. It’s good for the mind. For the brain.
- I like the pieces that I know. I love singing. I sang in quartets. Music brings me back quite quickly. I’m glad they started this.
- I like it all. I feel better. Have fun. Enjoy myself. I laugh and carry on. You know what I mean?
- I’m not a real singer, but love it with this group. Everybody is having a ball. We get up dancing and singing – it’s a nice change. It’s enjoyable.
- I just like it, whether it’s morning, noon or night
Care Partners
- I learned things about mom that I didn’t know before because it brings back memories.
- The effect is that we feel closer. We enjoy each other’s company. It allows for natural expression of affection.
- It’s been relaxing and inviting. Briar draws you in easily and gently. It’s a sweet experience.
