Music has the ability to transcend time, space and even science to impact others. Its lyrics and melody bring purpose to people’s lives and return them to a place of comfort, peace and joy. After lifelong choir director and jazz performer Beverly Eubanks, 86, was diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia a few years ago, many wondered how her lifelong passion for music would be affected. They might be surprised to know that she still performs just like she did in her younger days, but on a smaller stage. Instead of singing beside the likes of Duke Ellington, as she did in her younger days, Eubanks now has new partners. They are her friends and fellow residents at Mustang Creek Estates of Frisco, a residential assisted living and memory care community where she has lived for a year. Eubanks delights the residents and staff when she performs during weekly karaoke activities and alongside performers who visit the community regularly. Though her memories may come and go, it is through music that she continues to come alive, and caregivers and staff and Mustang Creek Estates of Frisco are committed to providing all residents with that feeling of joy and self-confidence that comes with doing activities they love and enjoy.
“Even with this diagnosis, it has never affected her music memory,” said Eubanks’ daughter and Frisco resident Teri Rogers. “She remembers every word and sings along with songs. She still has great talent, and the songs instantly come back to her as soon as they start. While my mom is healthy overall, she needs 24-hour care, and one thing that attracted us to Mustang Creek Estates of Frisco was their residential concept and smaller size, which allows the caregivers and staff to tailor activities to residents’ preferences. It’s personally rewarding to visit and see my mom still performing like she always has, belting along to Sinatra recordings – she still doesn’t miss a beat.”
Eubanks’ family has a history of Alzheimer’s and dementia, and she was a caregiver for her husband, who passed away from dementia almost six years ago. Eubanks’ mother also had dementia, and she was able to play piano even into the late stages, so the family knew music would be important to achieve some normalcy once Eubanks moved to the memory care community.
During the variety of music-filled activities at the community, Eubanks, along with fellow residents, sings and dances along with recorded music or live performers. Eubanks especially enjoys singing alongside performer Michelle Priest at the monthly birthday party celebrations, and she puts on quite a show during karaoke.
“We feel so privileged to have a resident like Beverly, who brings such talent and experience to Mustang Creek Estates of Frisco,” said Penny Tipton, activity director at Mustang Creek Estates of Frisco. “Her enthusiasm with music proves to us that while dementia and Alzheimer’s can take away a lot, there is still a person inside who can still give back to others and experience life’s accomplishments. Music is such a therapeutic tool because so many can relate to the feelings and emotion of a song, and we love incorporating music into daily activities and will continue to see other ways it could be beneficial.”
Karaoke is offered at the community Wednesdays at 3:30 p.m. The next music therapy activity will be July 14 and 28 at 10:30 a.m.