The Legacy at Preston Hollow Brings Music Program to its Residents

Oct. 11, 2012 - PRLog -- The Legacy at Preston Hollow invited Music Together Dallas, an internationally recognized music program that not only helps childhood development, but also helps seniors improve motor and vocal skills, to the community to spend time with assisted living and skilled nursing residents.

“This program engages seniors and gets them moving, singing and dancing,” said Gila Vinokur, director and owner of Music Together Dallas. “Immediately following one of my sessions, you can already see a tremendous visible difference in mobility and speech. Music uses both hemispheres of the brain, so it has the ability to access memories or help whatever areas are suffering.”

Vinokur organized residents in a circle and began singing, snapping and clapping, allowing the residents to repeat her. She then introduced shakers, ribbons and kitchen utensils, and soon had everyone involved in a fully interactive musical dancing session. As the session continued, the more active the residents became.

“We like to think outside the box when it comes to activities that can help our residents physically and emotionally,” said Jerry McDonald, executive director, The Legacy at Preston Hollow. “Music Together allows our residents to get involved in the healing process together in a unique way. We love that our residents leave these sessions happier and energized.”

“Music brings joy because it releases endorphins,” continued Vinokur. “My classes may seem elementary, but the effects are profound. My grandmother Joan Gordon passed away from Alzheimer’s, and she is the reason why I started teaching multi-generational classes. She was the one who took me to retirement homes when I was little, and showed me how I can bring joy to others.”

The Legacy at Preston Hollow is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit, faith-based senior living residence that offers a continuum of care allowing residents to stay in place with assisted living, short-term rehabilitation, skilled nursing, and long term care. Built in 2001, the community features 41 assisted living apartments, 113 skilled nursing beds and a state-of-the-art Medicare unit. The Legacy at Preston Hollow is the Dallas Home for the Jewish Aged and a partner agency of the Jewish Federation of Greater Dallas. The community is family service-oriented and open to people of all faiths. For questions regarding admissions, please call (214) 363-5100 or visit www.thelegacyPH.org.