Sometimes, all it takes is a familiar melody to change the feeling in a room.
A favorite song can bring a smile, encourage someone to sing along, spark a memory, or simply create a peaceful moment to enjoy together. Recently, residents at Knollwood Retirement Community experienced some of that magic during a special music therapy session led by Hannah Fisher, Music Therapist with Residential Hospice.
Music That Encourages Connection
During the session, Hannah used music-based activities designed to meet residents where they were, encouraging participation according to each person’s individual needs and abilities.
The session focused on using music to promote engagement, comfort, emotional expression, reminiscence, and positive interaction. Familiar songs helped create a calm and supportive atmosphere where residents could listen, respond, interact, and simply enjoy being together.
And judging by the smiles after the session, it was time well spent!
Music can be particularly meaningful for older adults because songs often become intertwined with the moments and people that make up our lives. A melody might bring to mind a favorite singer, a song once played on the radio, family celebrations, dances, holidays, or other treasured experiences.
For residents in Memory Care, those opportunities for reminiscence and connection can make musical experiences especially meaningful.
More Than Listening to a Song
One of the wonderful things about music is that there is no single “right” way to participate.
Someone may sing every word. Another resident might tap a hand or foot to the beat. Someone else may smile when they recognize a familiar tune or quietly enjoy listening.
Each response is valuable.
That philosophy fits beautifully with our approach at Knollwood, where we believe residents should have opportunities to remain active participants in their daily lives and engage in experiences that recognize their individual strengths, interests, and abilities.
Activities such as music therapy also give residents another opportunity to spend time together. A familiar song can become a conversation starter, a shared memory, or simply a reason to smile at the person sitting nearby.
And the Music Will Play Again!
We are delighted to share that residents will soon have another opportunity to experience music therapy with Hannah.
Hannah Fisher of Residential Hospice will return to Memory Lane on Thursday, September 10, 2026, from 10:00–11:00 a.m.
We are grateful to Hannah and Residential Hospice for sharing the gift of music with our residents and creating opportunities for comfort, expression, reminiscence, and connection.
At Knollwood Retirement Community, enriching activities are an important part of creating days filled with purpose and meaningful interaction. Sometimes those moments happen around a table with friends. Sometimes they happen during a favorite activity.
And sometimes, they begin with the first few notes of a familiar song.
If you or an aging loved one is considering senior supportive living in Belleville, IL, Collinsville, IL, or the surrounding areas, please contact the caring staff at Knollwood Retirement Community today at (618) 226-5755.
Offering seniors age 65 and older a wealth of amenities to retain as much independence as they are able, with support, in a home-like environment in our supportive living community.
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