Outdoor Instruments for Wellness: Music in the Garden
- Heart For Music
- Mar 17
- 2 min read
At the Heart for Music BC, we are committed to enriching the lives of seniors in care homes through the power of music. In 2024, we proudly supported four care homes by donating outdoor musical instruments that bring joy, connection, and therapeutic benefits to residents, staff, and visitors alike.
Our Recent Contributions
Villa Cathay: Installed The Aria in Summer 2024
Czorny Alzheimer Centre: Installed The Mushroom in Summer 2024
Kiwanis Garden Village: Installed The Melody in Summer 2024
Delta View Habilitation Centre: Will install The Tenor Tree in their therapeutic garden space in the summer of 2025.
“The Melody” xylophone has been installed in the therapeutic garden at Kiwanis Village. "The Tenor Tree" will add both natural and tonal additions to Delta View Habilitation Centre's garden. "The Mushroom" provides a musical experience on the patio at Czorny Alzheimer Centre.
The Therapeutic Benefits of Music and the Outdoors
Music has long been recognized for its healing properties, particularly in care home settings. Studies show that listening to and playing music can reduce anxiety, enhance cognitive function, and provide emotional relief for seniors, especially those with dementia or Alzheimer's. The act of engaging with music fosters social connections, evokes memories, and brings a sense of peace and joy to individuals who may feel isolated.
Similarly, spending time outdoors has been shown to boost mental and physical health. Exposure to nature can lower stress levels, improve mood, and encourage movement and social interaction. The combination of music and a natural environment creates a powerful therapeutic experience, allowing residents to engage their senses fully hearing the soothing melodies, feeling the fresh air, and seeing the vibrant greenery of the garden. This holistic approach to well-being ensures that Canadian seniors living in care will have a space that nurtures both their physical and emotional health.
We are thrilled to see these projects come to life and look forward to receiving more updates from our partner care homes. Each installation is a testament to the power of music and its ability to create moments of joy, relaxation, and connection.
A heartfelt thank you to all the care homes for partnering with us to enhance the lives of their residents through music and nature. We are honored to be a part of this journey!
Stay connected with us for updates on how Heart for Music is bringing the gift of music to care homes across the country!