Senior Drumming for Wellness

Host a Drum Circle at your Retirement/Assisted Living/Memory Care Facility!

San Luis Obispo County, CA

Provide the opportunities for your residents to experience the transformative power of rhythm and connection in our facilitated, experiential drumming circles. Through joyful and creative expression, the vibrant beats of the drums spark a sense of happiness and camaraderie. Together, we create unforgettable moments filled with laughter and pure fun!

Drumming up smiles at Avila Senior Living – Downtown SLO

Drumming for wellness!

Our drum circles are not only FUN – they’re also a pathway to well-being based on an integrated model of evidence-based practices which promote a wealth of therapeutic and holistic health benefits for seniors.

Creston Village: Assisted Living and Memory Care

Research has shown that participating in a drumming circle can provide seniors with a surprisingly fun and engaging way to positively impact physical, cognitive, mental, emotional, and social dimensions of well-being.

Here are some key benefits:

Physical Health:

- Improved Coordination: Drumming requires the use of both hands and sometimes feet, enhancing motor skills and hand-eye coordination.
- Increased Energy Levels: The physical activity involved in drumming can boost energy levels and overall vitality.
- Enhanced Immune System: Studies suggest that group drumming can increase the production of disease-fighting white blood cells

Cognitive Benefits:

- Mental Stimulation: Learning and remembering drum patterns can keep the brain active and sharp, potentially reducing the risk of cognitive decline.
- Stress Reduction: Drumming can serve as a meditative practice, helping to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression through rhythmic movement and focus.
- Improved Concentration: The focus required for drumming can enhance concentration and mental clarity.

Emotional Well-being:

- Expressing Emotions: Drumming can be a powerful outlet for expressing emotions, promoting emotional release and healing.
- Sense of Accomplishment: Learning new skills and achieving goals in drumming can boost self-esteem and confidence.

Social Connections:

- Community Building: Group drumming can foster a sense of community and belonging, combating feelings of loneliness and isolation.
- Social Interaction: Participating in drum circles or classes provides opportunities for socializing and making new friends.

Therapeutic Benefits:

- Pain Management: Drumming has been shown to help manage chronic pain by focusing the mind and producing endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers.
- Relaxation: The repetitive and rhythmic nature of drumming can have a calming effect, promoting relaxation and reducing tension.

When staff participates, they, too, enjoy the benefits while also building community relations!

Rhythm making with Memory Care residents at Creston Village

VIDEO: In this video I shared on Instagram I recalled an example of someone in memory care suddenly awakening after connecting with rhythm and song. Such a powerful moment. I’m so grateful for bringing this gift for others to experience.

I provide the Drums, percussion instruments, guided activities, and joy!

Our facilitated drum circles weave playful, guided activities with opportunities for free-form exploration with a variety of instruments from drums to shakers, rattles, bells, and more.

You provide the space and seating!

~Dee DiGioia, Drum Circle Facilitator

Where are we currently spreading joy every month?

- - The Villages of SLO at The Palms & Oaks
  - Creston Village Assisted Living and Memory Care Center in Paso Robles
  - Casa de Flores Retirement and Assisted Living in Morro Bay
  - The Rose Care Group – SLO
  - New! SLO Village Movement organization

Ready to Host? Contact Dee DiGioia for Inquiries

Interested in bringing Drumming for Wellness to your senior care facility?

Let’s Collaborate:

I’d love to partner with your senior care center to create meaningful, rhythm-based experiences that nurture the spirit and support well-being — for residents and care teams alike.

Serving San Luis Obispo County, CA

Contact Dee DiGioia 805-270-5523

REFERENCE LETTER:

“By way of background, my name is Juliana “Julie” Tacker; I have been a Certified Activity Director in the State of California since 1988. I have had the pleasure of working with all types of individuals in assisted living, skilled nursing, and independent facilities over my long career. Currently, I am the Life Enrichment Director at Creston Village Assisted Living and Memory Care, in Paso Robles, California. In doing so, I have had the pleasure of working with individuals who stand out among others, like Dee DiGioia. It has been a delight to work side-by-side with Dee. Dee will be bringing her drum circle to Creston Village on a bimonthly basis for the foreseeable future. Her passion and dedication are immediately apparent when you meet her. Her gift of rhythm to our residents is emotional, satisfying, and valuable to all. From tapping one’s toe, to getting up and dancing, Dee’s drum circle is fun as much as it is moving. If you are fortunate enough to meet Dee and observe her in the work she loves, you are as lucky a lucy person.”

– Julie Tacker, Life Enrichment Director at Creston Village Assisted Living and Memory Care

Featured in SLO Life Magazine – April 2025

You can see us drumming in this promo for Cuesta Rosa, SLO