GMD previews Stories Love Music 2nd symposium

SALISBURY, Md. – Stories love music – A program in Maryland that takes a unique approach to providing support for caregivers who serve patients with dementia or Alzheimer’s – is preparing for the second caregiver symposium.

Musician and entertainer Ilyana Kadushin has made it her mission in life to use her musical background as a unique way to help others, specifically caregivers.
Now, as the Executive Director of Stories Love Music, she and her team are looking at data that proves that there’s a need for better retention of caregivers
and health care workers in senior facilities and memory care.

Once they had a successful first symposium, they could implement their mission better and extend their resources. “If they’re walking off the job after 90 days, that’s saying to me that they don’t have the tools for their mental wellness on the job or to deal with the most challenging parts of their job,” says Kadushin. She adds, “We just keep going back to the drawing board, we keep looking at our strategy, hosting one-off sessions, hosting this symposium, trying to figure out ways to get this program to the people that need it.”

With this, the organization’s second symposium is taking place on June 6th, right here in Salisbury. This year, they’re focused on de-escalation through connection and creativity.

Throughout the day, caregivers can enjoy the Caregiver Relaxation Room, engage in thought-provoking panel discussions, and participate in interactive workshops. All the activities are designed to empower caregivers through creative engagement and self-care. “We want to introduce this idea, what needs de-escalation – let’s look at ourselves honestly and our caregiving role, when do we need to de-escalate, what does that mean, and then show them ways in our symposium to connect to use creative tools. It’s successful if they come back to your job in health care with fresh eyes.” She goes on to say, “What does creative engagement mean? Creative alone is wonderful, being engaged in something is wonderful – but when you bring those two things together, it’s really when you have the magic for the caregiver and the cared for.”

The event will take place on Friday, June 6th, from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm at Salisbury University’s downtown gallery located at 212 West Main Street, Suite #201.

To get your tickets or to learn more, just visit the Stories Love Music website.