Every Thursday afternoon at 'Dania Home', music drifts from the quiet of this long-term care facility. It sounds remarkably like angels ringing bells and if one walks into the home, there is an amazing sight. The scene is a group of frail, elderly people (many or whom have dementia related to Alzheimer's Disease) sitting in a semi-circle, holding long silver handchimes. They are all focused on the conductor who is cueing them to play. This is Dania Home's resident handchime choir being lead by an innovative, accredited music therapist, Kristine Theurer. She smiles back at their quizzical grins, (expressions neither the care staff nor family members see often enough), and lets them know they are doing a wonderful job. The chimes are ringing and music is in the air.

Alzheimer's Disease is described as a progressive, degenerative disease that attacks the brain and results in impaired memory, thinking, and behavior. It is the fourth leading cause of death and over half of all nursing home patients suffer from it. At present, there is no known cure for Alzheimer's disease and many of the dementias. There are wonderful new advances in drug treatment, especially for early stages, and much hope for the future. Many different people are challenging the myth that people with dementia are incapable of learning new things. Dania Home's handchime choir demonstrates this in spades. Music comes through here when language has failed.

When the handchime choir practice is over, the home is a peaceful place. Others have heard the gentle music from the handchimes and it has stilled some of the restlessness and agitation that often comes in the late afternoon to this home. The power of the music has transcended the language barriers and confusion. The mutually supportive group experience and the challenges in the practice have brought everyone involved closer together and provided a bond. It lasts for a short time but is enough to bring meaning into this particular afternoon. In a quote from the Director of Care from Dania Home: "The Handchime Choir… enhances the whole person concept: it builds an enhanced sense of pride, a sense of usefulness and value to themselves and their families".

The Canadian Music Therapy Association describes Music Therapy as the skillful use of music and musical elements by an accredited music therapist to promote, maintain, and restore mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual health.