Jump straight to my questions 🙂
I am super, super excited because I am finally getting closer to my dream project: creating a large cache of MP3 hymn recordings specifically for elders with Alzheimer’s and other dementias.
I’ve been dreaming about this project for some time. As I’ve been developing Spiritual ElderCare, I’ve realized that free, downloadable, singalong hymns and spirituals for elders with dementia don’t exist anywhere. Although I love ElderSong, those hymns are limited and only available as CDs for purchase. Other downloadable hymns, such as those on HymnPod, are not well-suited for those with dementia. Regular hymn arrangements tend to be too fast, too long, and in a too-high key for elders with dementia, who need simple, slower arrangements with fewer verses (average song length: about 2 minutes).
I’m now doing preliminary research for creating new recordings, in a studio, with real musicians (one female and one male singer, with a piano accompaniment). Ultimately, I’ll post the downloadable singalong hymns and spirituals for FREE on this website.
My goal is that any activity director, family member, chaplain or whoever can use them to create their own playlist. Combined with SEC ready-to-use church services, these song files will provide a turn-key solution for anyone who wants to lead a nondenominational church service in their own eldercare setting.
Here’s where you come in! I’ve just finished creating a spreadsheet of 63 hymns by denomination. But I want to hear from you! Please comment below or send me a private message.
Questions:
- Which hymns would YOU would most like to have recorded for this project? Does your elder(s) have particular favorites?
- I’m trying to figure out a reasonable budget, and for that I need to come up with a time estimate for a) rehearsing and b) recording. Do you have any experience with this? If so, I’d love your input.
- Once I have a realistic budget, I plan to create some kind of crowdfunding page (e.g., Kickstarter or YouCaring) to raise the funds. How should I approach this? What would appeal to you? Do you have experience with crowdfunding, and if so, what advice would you give me?
- Do you have resources you think I should contact?
- What questions do you have about this project? I really want to know!
Thank you all so much for your encouragement. I’m so excited to see this take shape. Please contact me at any time.
Peace be with you,
Photo by Hollie Ramsey / moderncolors
Spiritual Eldercare 
HI I love the work you are doing! I’ll take a stab at what I remember. At Rocky Mountain Christian Church (and I understand at many) the old hymns are not sung😣
Old Rugged Cross Hallelujah Chorus A Mighty Fortress is our God Amazing Grace (OF COURSE) Holy Holy Holy Lord God Almighty In the Garden I love to tell the story Nearer my God to thee Onward Christian Soldiers Swing Low Sweet Chariot Where were you when they crucified my Lord When the roll is called up yonder Of course, the old favorite Christmas Hymns
Steve
On Wed, Feb 21, 2018 at 4:34 PM, Spiritual ElderCare wrote:
> elisa bosley posted: “I am super, super excited because I am finally > getting closer to my dream project: creating a large cache of MP3 hymn > recordings specifically for elders with Alzheimer’s and other dementias. > I’ve been dreaming about this project for some time. As I’ve be” >
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Thank you Steve! I well remember your mom playing hymns at the piano. These “old” hymns are eternal!
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Hi Elisa,
My mother loved It is Well and Blessed Assurance.
She went to be with the Lord on Jan. 7. She was 100 and had dementia.
Thank you for your ministry.
Dede Goldman (Bethany and Mike’s friend snd pre-marital mentor)
Sent from my iPhone
>
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Ah, Dede, blessings on you in this time of change and grief. Those two songs are so wonderful.
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Wish I could help…… Very good luck for your worthwhile project:)
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Oh, don’t worry Mom, I’ll hit you up for help later 🙂 Love you and thanks!
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My Mom loves the old hymns and we often listen to a couple of Gaither Hymns DVD’s in her room. Last summer, Carrie & I actually sang with her in church and it was amazing how she just kicked right into gear singing 2nd soprano like she had done many years ago.The power of music is astounding! I agree with the above suggestions and have added a few more: At the Cross, Great is Thy Faithfulness, What a friend we have in Jesus, His Name is Wonderful, How Firm a Foundation, And Can it Be, Crown Him with Many Crowns, How Great Thou Art, Holy holy holy, Amazing Grace, It is Well, Praise to the Lord the Almighty, Be Thou my Vision, All Creatures of Our God and King, All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name, Blessed Assurance, To God be the Glory, When I Survey the Wondrous Cross, Fairest Lord Jesus, Jesus Paid it All, A Mighty Fortress is our God, Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing, O for a 1000 Tongues to Sing, Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus, Joyful Joyful We Adore Thee, to name a few 😉
Also, what about a few Christmas hymns? Those might help evoke some wonderful memories for our elderly friends.
I am so thankful you are doing this project – God bless you, Elisa!
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Woo hoo! What a great list, Lori — thank you so much. I’m hoping to do a crowdfunding thing to raise funds for studio time (probably 25 songs at a time; my list is currently at 70!), and if I raise enough I would definitely like to do the Christmas songs too. (That would likely be Phase IV 🙂 ) Thanks for your encouragement!
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