Conversation & Song

Watch these videos with your loved one, listen to the stories and join in when the singing begins.

Respite Tapes

Though no video or activity is a substitute for care or supervision, these restful, calming tapes provide the next best thing – beautiful photography and entertainment. There is no narration – just strolls and trips, as if the viewer were there himself, enjoying everything that nature has to offer.

Item # 2016 - Gonna Do a Little Music (ICR - 1)

While playing the guitar and autoharp, Marianne engages the viewer as she sings familiar songs and discusses memories, such as music lessons, family gatherings, and childhood friends. Songs include: "Skip to My Lou,""Moonlight Bay," and "You Are My Sunshine." (59 minutes)

Item # 2017 - Ladies Let’s Chat (ICR - 2)

Diane chats about warm topics from family gatherings and meal preparations to dressing up with hats and courtship days. Also on the tape is visit with her two grandchildren. Songs include: "Put on Your Old Grey Bonnet," "Over the River and Through the Woods," "Eency, Weency Spider," "Mary Had a Little Lamb," "Hickory, Dickery, Dock," " and "Old MacDonald." (40 minutes)

Item # 2018 - Lunchbreak with Tony (ICR - 3)

A visit with Tony on his work break is ideal for men. Subjects include work days, jobs, friends, baseball, first cars, and first loves. Tony’s cuddly dog, Sparky, also joins him for a visit on the tape. Songs include: "Take Me Out to the Ballgame," "I’ve Been Working on the Railroad," "And "Let Me Call You Sweetheart." (25 minutes)

Item # 2019 - Remembering When (ICR - 4)

This tape features songs and memories of school days and reciting the "Pledge of Allegiance." Other topics include memories of country and city life, and the Roaring Twenties. The hit of the tape comes when a cute toddle, Kyle, shows up for a visit. Songs include: " Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star," "When Irish Eyes are Smiling," and "Hello, My Baby." (25 minutes)

Item # 2020 - A Yankee Doodle Dandy Time (ICR - 5)

In this video Becky recalls when she prepared for a Fourth of July celebration. She discusses memories of the American flag, marching bands, and parades. Even Becky’s cat joins in on this patriotic visit. Songs include: "When Johnny Comes Marching Home Again," "It’s a Grand Old Flag," "Yankee Doodle," "And Take Me out to the Ballgame." (30 minutes)

Item # 2021 - Sharing Christmas Cheer (ICR - 6)

Viewers will enjoy fond memories of the special Christmas season as George discusses traditions of Christmas trees, gifts and stockings. The video shares plenty of familiar carols, beautifully sung. Songs include: "Jingle Bells," "Up On the House-Top," "Old Saint Nick," "Silent Night," " Oh, Holy Night," and "The Night Before Christmas." (45 minutes)

Item # 2022 - Sharing Favorite Things (ICR - 7)

Joyce delights her private audience with talk about growing up, hometown memories, and her parents. A special touch comes when she is visited by a darling one-year child and a little dog. Songs include: "Happy Birthday," "By the Light of the Silvery Moon," "Let Me Call You Sweetheart," and "Daisy." (38 minutes)

Item # 2023 - Favorite Canadian Memories (ICR - 8)

Dawn and her little baby share memories with her listeners of growing up in Canada. Stories of Canadian events, including the ‘67 Expo and hockey night, are remembered and talked about. There’s even a visit from Dawn’s brother (dressed in his hockey uniform). Songs include: "London Bridge," "Frere Jacques, "Rock-a-Bye Baby," "Oh, Canada," and "When the Red, Red Robin Comes Bob, Bob, Bobbin’ along." (35 minutes)

Item # 2024 - Movement, Music and Memories (ICR - 9)

Walking and marching are excellent exercise, so in this video Cathy shares stories and songs while moving to favorite songs. As if this video were not already a bit different, there’s also a visit from a little boy playing kickball and a fluffy lamb. Songs include: "Ring Around the Rosie," "In the Shade of the Old Apple Tree," "Mary Had a Little Lamb," "Let me Call You Sweetheart," "My Grandfather’s Clock," and "I’m Forever Blowing Bubbles." (45 minutes)

Item # 2025 - A Kibitz with David (ICR - 10)

David is a warm and caring Jewish gentleman, who loves recalling weddings, Passover, Chanukah and other celebrations. The video includes David, his wife and children lighting Shabbos candles and singing favorite Yiddish songs. Songs include: "S’vivon," "Tum Balaliaka," "Dayeenu," "and "Havah Nagilah." (59 minutes)

Item # 2026 - Celebrating African-American Culture (ICR - 11)

This video is especially for African-American loved ones, reflecting on celebrations, church picnics, and warm family gatherings. Topics also include good old home cooking and familiar songs, including: "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot," "Go Tell It on the Mountain," "Amazing Grace," and "Lift Every Voice and Sing." (46 minutes)

Item # 2027 - A Visit with Maria (In Spanish Only) (ICR - 12)

This video is entirely in Spanish, featuring maria who invites her viewers to sing some of her favorite songs with her, relating to childhood memories, friends, parents, and fun-filled festivals. The video also includes light hand and arm exercises. Songs include: "La Cucaracha," "Allá en el Rancho Grande," "and Cielito Lindo." (39 minutes)

Item # 2028 - Those Good Ol’ School Days (ICR - 13)

Remember the stories of those five mile hikes to school and spoonfuls of Castor Oil? Susie is an energetic storyteller who helps viewers fondly relive, and even laugh on a trip down Memory Lane. Fun songs like "School Days," She’ll Be Comin’ ‘Round the Mountain," and "The Bus Song" prompt memories and pleasant thoughts. School day games like "Here We Go ‘Round the Mulberry Bush" and after school trips to the candy store round out this entertaining recall of events. (50 minutes)

What we like best about these products:
Respite tapes are great for everyone! Your loved one can enjoy them by themself, you can sit with them, or, believe it or not, you wouldn’t be the first caregiver caught enthralled watching an aquarium full of fishes, recalling schooltime memories, or just singing ol’ time favorites. These tapes are all specially designed for those with Alzheimer’s disease. The letters praising them and the enjoyment they provide have been incredible!

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