Liberty Health and Rehab Enhances Resident Wellness Through “Rhythm in Motion” Grant
We are thrilled to announce that all Liberty Health and Rehab communities are now part of a specialized grant program called Rhythm in Motion, designed to bring the healing power of music and rhythm directly to our residents. This initiative, funded by a Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) grant, ensures our activity professionals have everything they need—from high-quality instruments to expert instruction—to lead a full, vibrant music program for our residents.
What is Rhythm in Motion?
Rhythm in Motion is a group-based drumming program specifically designed for residents at skilled nursing and rehabilitation centers. Led by Dr. R. Turner Goins, a gerontologist at Western Carolina University, the program aims to improve the mental and emotional health of our residents by decreasing social isolation, depression and anxiety.
Each session lasts between 45 to 60 minutes and is packed with engaging activities, including:
- Ice-breaker activities to build community
- Rhythm games to stimulate cognitive and physical coordination
- Drumming and singing to uplift the spirit
“Music has always struck me as a universal language, one that reaches people of every age and background,” shared Tiffany Dunn, Liberty Health and Rehab’s Director of Resident Enrichment and Social Support. “That’s why the Rhythm in Motion grant immediately stood out to me. Our residents will benefit not only from the joy and sensory stimulation that music provides, but also from the sense of connection that comes from creating music together. This program will give them an opportunity to engage, express themselves and share meaningful moments as a community. Doing this grant program with all of our skilled nursing centers makes me really excited because they can all be connected through music.”
Equipping Our Teams for Success
This grant is a three-year commitment to musical enrichment. Over the next three years, each center will receive an impressive array of professional percussion equipment, including Buffalo drums, frame drums, travel cajons, cowbells, egg shakers and movement scarves. As the program progresses into the second and third years, centers will receive even more unique instruments like fruit-shaped shakers, wrist bells, tambourines and bass drums.
Empowering Our Staff
One of the best aspects of Rhythm in Motion is that facilitators do not need to be musicians. The program is designed to be “quick and easy” for any staff member to learn. The program provides an asynchronous one-hour online training session, and there is no limit to how many staff members can participate.
Our teams will also receive:
- A comprehensive manual with session outlines and activity ideas
- Personalized, one-on-one support from a dedicated program coordinator to help build confidence and manage the program
- Customizable promotional signs to help spread the word about weekly sessions
As we begin this three-year journey, we look forward to sharing the stories of movement, music and smiles that are sure to follow.
About Liberty Health and Rehab
Liberty Health and Rehab is a part of Liberty Health, a family-owned company that has provided continuum of care services across the Carolinas and beyond since 1875.