Changemakers

Gillian Wortley showcases MUSIC CARE Certified Individuals, Organizations and Schools who are implementing innovative, creative solutions for music care and music wellness

Joseph Konty, Gentog - Embracing Intergenerational Care

Joseph Konty is the Music Director at Gentog (Generations Together) in Portland, Oregon, an organization that embraces intergenerational care to promote holistic health and wellness. A recent MUSIC CARE CERTIFY INDIVIDUAL, Konty is one of the most inspiring professionals I have had the pleasure of meeting.

Gentog provides both childcare for infants to five-year-olds and respite care for adults 50+ with dementia or cognitive challenges. According to a report published by Generations United, joining the generations through meaningful cross-age relationships may decrease social isolation and increase older adults’ sense of belonging, self-esteem, and well-being, while also improving social and emotional skills of children and youth participants.

Konty joined Gentog after sending his CV on a whim, drawn to its mission. A singer-songwriter and performer from the age of 15, he toured and recorded extensively but felt unfulfilled. A personal battle with borderline personality disorder led him to inpatient care, where he felt stripped of his creativity and identity. Healing through Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, he saw an opportunity to integrate his musical talents with his educational background in counseling and pastoral care to serve others.

This vision led to Andy’s Music Club at Gentog, named after his late father, a church choir director who nurtured Konty’s musical gifts. The club provides a structured music program where participants can focus on the songwriting process from creating and composing to production, and performance. For Konty, music fosters wellness, identity, and purpose: “They remember lyrics and melodies despite cognitive challenges. When you create, you create purpose; when you have purpose, you have meaning.” Konty also leads music wellness sessions with meditation and sound baths.

Konty offers pastoral care and a dementia-friendly worship service, creating a safe, nonjudgmental space “Hymns are sung, and I share a positive message, like joy”. His work extends to family caregivers, providing outreach and support groups.

Committed to making a difference, Konty is hosting a benefit concert at Portland’s White Eagle on May 10, celebrating families affected by dementia. His goal is to produce an album featuring music created and recorded by Andy’s Music Club participants, released on iTunes—a full-circle project reinforcing the power of music in care.

In Konty’s presence, you experience true empathy and dedication. His unwavering commitment to care through music is palpable and exemplifies the profound impact of intergenerational connection, creativity, and community.

Heather Ingram, Banwell Gardens Care Centre - Holiday Celebration

A woman wearing a white shirt and a red tie smiles

Windsor, ON, January 2025 - What does it mean to be a changemaker in long-term care? It means seeing the world through the eyes of residents, ensuring they feel loved, cared for, and genuinely considered. Heather Ingram, Recreation Manager at Banwell Gardens Care Centre exemplifies this spirit.

Heather instinctively puts residents' needs and desires first and tirelessly works to inspire her team to adopt this philosophy. Her dedication to culture change is evident in her insistence that everything—from musical preferences to moments of comfort—revolves around the residents. Heather often reminds her staff, “This is not about you. The moment you leave to go home, it can be about you.”

One heartwarming example of Heather’s commitment was last year’s holiday celebration. Planning began in spring when she contacted the Windsor Symphony Orchestra to arrange a community visit. She envisioned a glamorous evening called “Bow Ties and Ballgowns,” where residents could dress up, enjoy fine dining, and revel in live orchestral music. Heather’s mother sewed bow ties for the gentlemen, and the Recreation Team helped residents create festive centerpieces. On the day, makeovers were provided, and the Social Worker captured Christmas portraits by the tree. PSWs and Nursing staff ensured residents were dressed and ready, while the Dietary team prepared a special meal. Recreation staff even organized a sing-along and trivia session during a brief schedule gap, adding joy and connection.

When the Symphony performed, residents were delighted to request their favorite songs. With 58 residents, family members, and staff participating, the evening was a resounding success, showcasing how teamwork and resident-centered care can create magical moments.

A group of people are playing violins and cello in a church.

Three women wearing face masks are posing for a picture

Linda Weatherly, Menno Place - Men's Musicking Club

A woman wearing glasses is smiling for the camera

Abbotsford, BC, September 2024 - Linda Weatherly is the Manager of Recreation and Volunteers at Menno Place, a senior care campus in Abbotsford, BC and MUSIC CARE Certified. Linda, like many in the care sector, was determined to tackle the issue of men self-isolating in their rooms, avoiding social programs, and disconnecting from the community. “They may be too shy, feel they don’t belong, or be overwhelmed by the size of a program,” Weatherly explains. Recognizing the serious impact this could have on their mental and physical well-being, she set out to find a solution.

Linda was struck by the response when a volunteer brought in a record player one day and started playing vinyl records on one of the LTC floors. The nostalgic sound of music drew out men who had previously chosen to remain alone, bringing them together to enjoy familiar tunes played on a beloved, old-fashioned technology.

Linda decided to create a regularly scheduled Men’s Musicking Club, hosted by her recreation staff. The men who gathered quickly became part of a warm, inviting community, where listening to music stirred memories, emotions, and conversation. They laughed, joked, and reminisced in a safe, non-threatening space. Linda noticed that in this environment, they felt free to be themselves, share stories, crack the occasional racy joke, and bond with each other.

“We now have specific interventions for men who are choosing to socially isolate…they are simple, require minimal technology and don’t require complex planning”, Linda shares. We know our program works because we’ve seen the tangible improvements in the well-being and quality of life for the men who participate—men who previously avoided social interaction and other programs at Menno Place.”

Linda and her team understand that a one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t work in care programming. "Our men's music program has helped us implement changes that focus on personalized, bespoke experiences within a larger context. We’ve seen the enormous impact music has in helping our men’s group connect—to memories, to each other, and to their own ability to express themselves."