ARTCF Supports Vibrant Living Through Music
Robert Michon | Communications Specialist , ARTA
One of the three areas of focus for the Alberta Retired Teachers Charitable Foundation ( ARTCF ) is to support Alberta ’ s seniors in accessing safe and comfortable housing . In line with that goal , ARTCF is pleased to announce a new grant recipient for the Foundation : The Bethany Care Foundation .
The Bethany Care Foundation operates throughout Calgary and southern Alberta to provide seniors with housing options that are suited to their needs , including affordable housing , long-term care , or care for those living with complex medical concerns .
Of course , safe and comfortable housing isn ’ t just about the ability to stay warm and dry , it ’ s also about securing a living environment where you can feel active and vibrant as you age . To help accomplish this for Bethany Care ’ s residents , ARTCF has awarded them $ 20,000 to run a music therapy program .
Music therapy has many benefits for residents , including increasing social interaction , lifting moods , and most notably , improving cognitive functioning . Music therapy has been shown to stimulate cognition in adults living with conditions like dementia and Alzheimer ’ s disease and can help to slow mental decline . Music stimulates memory , helps with mood regulation ( such as stimulating alertness or calm ), and keeps anxiety and depression at bay .
“ ARTCF is proud to be providing support for this program ,” says Frank Bruseker , president of ARTCF . “ We hope it improves the lives of the many seniors living in Bethany Care residences both now and in the years to come .” news & views SPRING 2023 | 23