Rhythms of Remembrance Launch

On November 25, 2025, Perley Health hosted the launch of Rhythms of Remembrance: Co-Creating Veteran Legacies through Musical Heartbeat Recordings, funded through the Seniors Community Grant. This groundbreaking resident-centered initiative draws on a partnership between the Therapeutic Recreation Creative Arts Program and the Centre of Excellence in Frailty-Informed Care. Twenty Perley Health residents, their families, and a senior representative from the Government of Ontario attended the event.

The launch showcased the project's core mission: capturing and preserving the unique life signatures—heartbeat, voice, and music—of veteran residents, enabling them to co-create digital and artistic legacy memories. Music therapists, Tim Cote and Patricia Deek, with Atul Jaiswal, Research Lead, Centre of Excellence, presented the project and demonstrated the heartbeat recording process and answered questions. The project launch event was supported by Michelle Proulx, Manager, Therapeutic Recreation Creative Arts Program, the Centre of Excellence team members Danielle Sinden, Michaela Adams, Daniela Acosta and David Mathew, and the Perley Health Communications team; Jay Innes and Tom Lilly.

Residents will be invited to record their own heartbeat, select or create meaningful songs, and contribute personal stories or messages with their families. These recordings are offered to residents and their families as keepsakes, with the option to be featured on the Perley Health website.

The event embodied a collaborative atmosphere, with the Creative Arts and Centre of Excellence teams ensuring residents felt supported and included throughout. Attendees witnessed firsthand the project's potential to foster connection, enhance memory, and build creative legacies across generations. Notable moments included a resident's celebratory applause during the musical presentations—emphasizing the deep, positive impact.

The program evaluation currently focuses on veteran residents, with plans for future expansion to community residents. Participation is voluntary and coordinated by the music therapy team. Interested individuals can reach out directly to Tim Cote or Patricia Deek, or visit the project's website for more information – (link)

Rhythms of Remembrance stands out for its ability to strengthen social connections, stimulate learning, encourage creative expression, and boost autonomy—showing how thoughtfully designed arts programs can enrich lives and support both residents and their loved ones.

Members of the Therapeutic Recreation and Creative Arts Team and the Centre of Excellence attending the launch event : Atul Jaiswal, Dana Lawless, Michaela Adams, Patricia Deek, Michell Proulx and Tim Cote.