Music and memory program planned for Tennessee nursing homes

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — The Tennessee Arts Commission is providing a music and memory program in more than 140 nursing homes across the state.

The commission said in a news release that nursing home residents with dementia or Alzheimer's disease are among those being offered the program.

According to the commission, the $1 million program uses iPods and other digital devices to give residents personalized music that could help enhance their engagement and socialization, heighten their ability to communicate, increase calmness and decrease agitation.

The commission is receiving funding from nursing home civil monetary penalties provided by the Tennessee Department of Health and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.