Great Connections: The Magic of Music

It is no secret that music has a powerful effect on our emotions. The right song can get your toes tapping, take you back to specific moment in time, calm you down or even help carry you off to sleep. Music is also a wonderful way to connect with people. Here is a story about a CCA who learned to play guitar so he could perform for residents and help them find comfort.

Darryl Finney, a Continuing Care Assistant at Celtic Court in Sydney, Nova Scotia, works very closely with residents. Through his regular interactions, he realized that there was an opportunity for more recreation activities in the late afternoon, a time of day when some residents, and one in particular, sometimes become agitated. Darryl also knew that residents respond well to music, so he came up with a plan.
He decided to learn to play guitar and share his love of music with the people he cares for and, whenever possible, take time and the end of his workday to play a few songs with the resident who has particular challenges in the afternoon. The results are heartwarming.

Darryl’s dedication to creating musical connections not only benefits the residents he performs for, but has also turned him into a bit of a community celebrity. He now organizes “pub nights” and even helps one resident keep his guitar in tip-top shape.

Perhaps the greatest thing about Great Connections is that they have a positive impact on everyone involved. Darryl may be the one with the guitar, but he benefits just as much as residents do from the time they spend together.

Want to work along side Great People like Darryl? Learn more about Healthcare and Clinical careers at Shannex.