Editor’s Note: The benefits of group singing for people with dementia are well-documented, and apparent in the joy on their faces as they sing. Chicago-based Sounds Good Choir runs two choral programs with a total of eight choirs throughout Chicago and its suburbs: Sounds Good is for adults 55+ and Good Memories is for adults with early-stage memory loss and their care partners. Werlinde Hauk is now in her fourth year as a chorister in the dementia-friendly Sounds Good Evanston choir which provides a welcoming and affirming setting. Cecilia Belen, her care partner and friend, has been singing at Werlinde’s side for two and a half years.
By Cecilia Belen
Guest Writer
It means a lot to me to share how much the Sounds Good and Good Memories choirs are helping Werlinde. She truly comes alive whenever we attend. She laughs, looks so happy, and even walks eagerly from the car to the building. It is a long walk from the parking lot, but she doesn’t mind because she’s always so excited for choir. After rehearsals her mood is noticeably brighter, and it’s really remarkable. Some days it’s hard, but I do my best to take her because the joy she feels is worth the effort.
Her family sees the difference, too. Her husband, Walter, came last week just to witness it firsthand, and he was amazed. He sees how she comes home smiling, with such a light and beautiful mood. He saw the cheerful greetings at the door from the kind choir members who always save us seats, stop to chat with her or give her compliments. Werlinde feels so loved there. I especially appreciate Sheila, Iris, Ann, Anne, Pam, Helen, Suzanne, and the many others who make her feel welcome every single time.
(Left to right) Werlinde’s husband, Walter, joins her and Cecilia at a Sounds Good rehearsal to see for himself how much pleasure Werlinde gets from the choir.
I often take pictures and videos of Werlinde singing or smiling and send them to her children, who are so grateful to see their mom that way. Even in winter or on rainy days, or when she had just come home from rehab and was in a wheelchair, we still made the effort to come because the joy and expression on her face during and after choir are absolutely priceless.
My father was a piano tuner and technician, and I grew up surrounded by music and by many pianos he was repairing or getting ready to sell. So music became a big part of who I am, although at first, I didn’t know how I could use it in my caregiving. Through Sounds Good, I’ve seen how music can reach people with dementia: calming them, lifting their mood and helping them reconnect. It’s beautiful to see their faces light up when I sing or play something familiar. My siblings and I learned how to play on our own, so I am not a professional pianist. But I can share what I know and what I can do with others. I have been a church pianist and I volunteer at care facilities to help with their musical activities.
I think what influenced me to become a caregiver started when I was a teenager. My father had a heart attack and became partially paralyzed. He struggled to speak clearly, and, somehow, I was the only one who could understand him. I helped care for him and was his voice for almost four years until he passed away. Perhaps that experience taught me patience, compassion and to simply be present for someone who depends on you. Maybe another reason is my mother, who was seriously injured in a car accident. I was already married and had children then, and she was staying with us. I helped take care of her during her recovery.
At this stage of her dementia, Werlinde speaks less and isn’t always receptive—except with me, since I am a familiar face to her, and maybe because we share a love for music. At home, I play the piano and sing to her and with her. But in choir, she becomes a different person: more engaged, more expressive and visibly happier. It’s a transformation that shows the power of music and the safe, joyful space the Sound Good team has created. Being a part of these choirs is a blessing!
Werlinde & Friends: Always In Tune with One Another
(Left to right) Werlinde Hauk with Suzanne Cohen and Sheila Fleming, friends and fellow Sounds Good singers in Evanston’s dementia-friendly choir.
Suzanne Cohen, singer and volunteer: I met Werlinde several summers ago during our Summer Rocks rehearsals. She always has a twinkle in her eyes and a gentle smile to greet you. It’s my pleasure to sing with Werlinde and share a friendship with a lovely person.
Sheila Fleming, singer and volunteer: Observing Cecilia and Werlinde together, you can just see the connection they have. Werlinde shows her very gentle, warm smile, and her eyes light up.
Sandy Siegel Miller, Sounds Good Choir Co-founder, and program director of Good Memories: A talented musician in her own right, Cecilia spreads joy and light wherever she goes. She brings to our Evanston choir the same kindness and positive attitude that characterizes her care of Werlinde and embodies the love that we see in the Hauk family.
What a beautiful story. My sister has early stage dementia and loves music. I’ll be looking for a similar program here in Naples Florida