The importance of music for seniors - Westfair Communications

From left: Wartburg Administrator Bridget Zimmermann Wartburg Administrator Maria Provenzano Summer Music Therapy Volunteer Morgan Park, Wartburg CEO and President David Gentner,
Kevin Griffin IMNF Executive Director Dr. Concetta M. Tomaino and Music and Memory Director Justin Russo.

Award-winning songwriter, producer, author and performer Kevin Griffin of Better Than Ezra whose songs have sold over 80 million copies recently visited the new Memory Care Living Center at the Wartburg in Mount Vernon, a noted provider of comprehensive residential and health-care services for seniors Wartburg President and CEO Dr. David J. Gentner, the Institute for Music and Neurologic Function (IMNF) Executive Director, Dr. Concetta M. Tomaino, and other senior staff met with Griffin to highlight the importance of music on Wartburg’s campus.

IMNF Executive Director and Co-Founder Dr. Concetta M. Tomaino said, “We are grateful to Kevin for taking the time to visit IMNF and Wartburg and for his interest and support of our work in using the power of music to awaken and heal.”

Wartburg President David J. Gentner said, “Kevin’s foundation work and fundraising is well documented as he has raised money for many causes, including pediatric cancer and front-line health-care workers. I’ve been a fan of his music for years and we were thrilled he could find the time to visit with residents, Dr. Tomaino, and staff.”

Kevin Griffin with Dr. Concetta M. Tomaino.

Griffin is best known as the singer and founding member of the platinum-selling rock band, Better Than Ezra, which was in the region to headline the Pleasantville Music Festival. He signed copies of his 2023 book “The Greatest Song,” a creative-nonfiction book for every profession.

Wartburg’s holistic approach to senior living and health-care is unlike traditional retirement communities, It offers a vibrant 34-acre campus where residents enjoy integrated services that extend well beyond typical care. Whether it’s independent living, award-winning nursing home care, or personalized home services, Wartburg’s continuum of care is designed to meet diverse needs. Recognized as one of the “Best Nursing Homes in New York State” by “U.S. News & World Report” for a remarkable 12 years running, Wartburg continues to set the standard in senior care.

Founded in 1995, the IMNF nonprofit is driven by more than 35 years of clinical observations on the actual effects of music on individuals who have different types of physical and neurological disorders. Directed by renowned music therapist Tomaino, the IMNF researches the relationship between music and the brain, provides patients with music therapy and offers professional peers around the world the latest music therapy education and training information about best practices. Through the scientific exploration of music and the brain, the IMNF seeks to establish new knowledge and develop more effective music therapy treatments to awaken, stimulate and heal through the extraordinary power of music.