Sarah Auffret

The robust sound of plastic drumsticks tapping to the beat of music echoes through the room every Friday at The Perfect Place, an adult day care facility in Sun Lakes. Older adults with various forms of dementia gather around a large table to participate in a drumming circle, their faces often breaking into smiles as they follow the instructor.

The instructor and her helpers are members of Assistance League of East Valley, an all-volunteer organization that helps thousands of children with new school clothing, provides clothing and toiletries for trauma survivors, and awards college scholarships, among other programs.

Carol Crosson, the instructor, approached the executive director of The Perfect Place, Dr. Rose Saunders, last year to see how Assistance League could help. The facility had closed for several months during the COVID-19 pandemic and was gearing up to provide more services for its growing clientele.

A former Special Ed teacher, Crosson did some research and learned that Alzheimer’s researchers found that drumming circles break through the fog of dementia, stimulating memory through play. The activity helps individuals interact socially, release tension, and feel a sense of community. It’s also an excellent upper body exercise and can stimulate the heart.

Assistance League purchased drums, drumsticks, tambourines, bells and a boombox, and Crosson sewed a quilted cover for the large table so the drumming wouldn’t hurt delicate eardrums. She plays YouTube videos and music through a large television, turning the drumming sessions into trips down memory lane.

“When we played John Phillip Sousa marches, I talked about Sousa’s life and why he wrote the marches,” said Crosson. “The day we played the ‘Banana Boat Song,’ we learned about bananas and also about Harry Belafonte’s life. When we play the bells, it helps them remember past holidays. They love the old music, and we sing along.”

The clients raise their arms to click their sticks to the rhythm. Heads that were thrust downward are lifted. Nonverbal clients have come out of their shells, acknowledging their tablemates. Everyone looks forward to Friday afternoons.

“I can’t tell you how much I appreciate the Assistance League volunteers,” said Saunders. “These ladies have helped us so much, and they know what they are doing. Our clients absolutely love the drumming, and they have learned so much. We couldn’t operate on Fridays without these volunteers.”

The Perfect Place, located on the campus of Risen Savior Lutheran Church, 23914 S. Alma School Road, is open Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday, to provide nonmedical services and respite to caregivers. Their website is tinyurl.com/yckpwx9k.

Assistance League of East Valley is preparing to put on its annual spring fundraiser at Oakwood Country Club in Sun Lakes on April 30. The “Rolling on the High Seas” Casino Night will feature casino table games, dinner, live music, and a silent auction. Funding for their programs also comes from an upscale thrift shop at 2326 N. Alma School Road in Chandler. For more information, visit www.assistanceleagueeastvalley.org.