Just as the resilient oak trees have grown and matured to lend their attributes to our community through the years, so too have our elders helped establish the community in which we now live. Living Melodies is proud to offer the Living O.A.K.S. program facilitated by board-certified music therapists and specifically designed to serve senior citizens by addressing functional abilities and problem behaviors of dementia as they affect interpersonal relationships and caregiver stress. The music therapist observes the needs and strengths of the individual with dementia. Then, the therapist facilitates adaptations using music as a tool for change to improve communication, provide adequate levels of sensory stimulation, and manage negative behaviors while increasing caregiver knowledge of the disease process and how to use music as a caregiving tool in the home. In addition, stress management strategies are established for both the caregiver and their loved one which may include interventions such as respite music therapy sessions; individualized music-facilitated relaxation; and music composition, improvisation, or performance.