For The Floor

Amber Rae

wisdom, wonder & warmth from and for the heart of senior living

Episodes

  1. Bridging Rhythm with Joy and Connection

    12/05/2025

    Bridging Rhythm with Joy and Connection

    Music reaches places words cannot. In this episode of For the Floor, we explore the simple, powerful ways music can spark joy, shift mood, awaken memory, and strengthen connection in senior living and dementia care. Guided by the wisdom of Alexis Baker, Board-Certified Music Therapist and founder of Bridgetown Music Therapy, this episode centers on her KISS philosophy — Keep It Simple, Silly — and the reminder that meaningful engagement does not have to be complicated to be impactful. Through practical ideas for singing, movement, listening, instrument play, relaxation, songwriting, and capturing moments of joy, this episode invites care professionals to use music as a daily tool for expression, regulation, and relationship. To learn more about Alexis and the work of Bridgetown Music Therapy, visit bridgetownmusictherapy.com and follow along on social media. 💜 Episode Themes Music as a bridge to connection in dementia care Keeping engagement simple and accessible Creativity as a core human expression Rhythm, sound, and movement as emotional regulators Using music as a daily care tool, not a performance Permission to experiment without pressure www.bridgetownmt.com HIPAA & Compliance Notice I take HIPAA, privacy, and compliance very seriously. Any resident stories or examples shared on For the Floor are de-identified, with no personal information or details that could reveal identity. The thoughts and reflections shared on this podcast are my own and are not specific to, nor do they represent, the organization I currently work for.

    12 min
  2. Lessons from Okinawa: Beyond Words

    10/31/2025

    Lessons from Okinawa: Beyond Words

    While visiting Village Senaha — an assisted-living community in Okinawa with a dementia focus — Amber witnessed something extraordinary: people from multiple countries, speaking different languages, connecting through presence alone. In this heartfelt episode of For the Floor, Amber reflects on what happens when words fall away and only care remains. From gentle gestures to calm approach, she explores how body language, tone, and energy can become our most powerful communication tools in dementia care. She also shares the transformation she saw in a group of young volunteers — how one afternoon in senior living changed their entire perception of aging, purpose, and joy. 💜 Key themes: Connection beyond language in dementia care The power of body language and approach Modeling calm, heart-first communication Changing perceptions of what senior living truly is Because sometimes, the most meaningful conversations happen without words at all.       Connect with Amber! https://www.facebook.com/forthefloorpodcast/ www.linkedin.com/in/amberraelihs              HIPAA & Compliance Notice I take HIPAA, privacy, and compliance very seriously. Any resident stories or examples shared on For the Floor are de-identified, with no personal information or details that could reveal identity. The thoughts and reflections shared on this podcast are my own and are not specific to, nor do they represent, the organization I currently work for.

    10 min
  3. Lessons from Okinawa: Elders as Treasure

    10/23/2025

    Lessons from Okinawa: Elders as Treasure

    During her travels through Okinawa, Japan — one of the world’s Blue Zones — Amber discovered something that forever changed the way she views aging and care. Here, elders aren’t hidden or hurried. They’re honored. Celebrated. Treasured. In this heartfelt episode of For the Floor, Amber reflects on what it means to see aging not as decline, but as accumulation — of wisdom, stories, and strength. She shares memories from her homestay in Okinawa, where elders gathered daily on a simple bench to visit and laugh, and where photos of ancestors filled every wall in quiet reverence. You’ll walk away inspired to see aging through a new lens — and to bring that same spirit of respect and wonder to the residents and team members in your own community. Key themes: Why elders are considered “treasure” in Okinawa How cultural reverence for aging changes community life Simple ways to honor wisdom and longevity in senior living A mindset shift from labels to legacies Connect with Amber! https://www.facebook.com/forthefloorpodcast/ www.linkedin.com/in/amberraelihs HIPAA & Compliance Notice I take HIPAA, privacy, and compliance very seriously. Any resident stories or examples shared on For the Floor are de-identified, with no personal information or details that could reveal identity. The thoughts and reflections shared on this podcast are my own and are not specific to, nor do they represent, the organization I currently work for.

    14 min

About

wisdom, wonder & warmth from and for the heart of senior living