Music can have a powerful impact on people with dementia, evoking emotions and triggering memories. Music therapy in dementia care is a structured and evidence-based approach, has huge potential in enhancing the well-being and quality of life for people living with dementia.
Emotional and Cognitive Benefits:
A wide range of emotions can be evoked by music therapy, providing people with dementia an outlet for expression and connection. It can reduce anxiety, agitation, and depression while promoting positive mood states. Engaging with music also stimulates cognitive abilities, improves attention and memory, and encourages overall mental stimulation.
Triggering Memories and Enhancing Communication:
Music has the ability to unlock memories associated with specific songs or periods in life. Through familiar tunes and lyrics, people with dementia can recall personal experiences, engage in conversations, and foster connections with loved ones and caregivers. Music serves as a non-verbal communication channel, bridging the gap when verbal expression becomes challenging.
See the wonderful work of the late Naomi Fell Gladys Wilson and Naomi Feil (youtube.com)
Encouraging social interaction:
Group music therapy sessions provide opportunities for social engagement, promoting interaction and a sense of community. Singing together, playing instruments, and participating in rhythmic activities foster a shared experience, decrease social isolation, and enhance social bonds among individuals with dementia and their caregivers. In the dementia support group we work with their karaoke evenings are a hugely popular.
Managing Challenging Behaviours:
Music therapy can help manage challenging behaviours commonly associated with dementia, such as agitation and restlessness. Calming melodies, soothing rhythm, and personalised playlists tailored to individual preferences can help relaxation, reduce agitation, and create a tranquil environment.
Anglia Ruskin University has been involved in research showing that music can reduce agitation on inpatient wards.
Individual and Person-Centred Approach:
Music memories are highly individual, so music therapy in dementia care must be individualised, focusing on each person’s unique preferences, memories, and emotional responses. Therapists assess musical preferences and collaborate with individuals, their families, and caregivers to develop personalised playlists and activities that resonate with their personal history and interests.
Implementation of music therapy in dementia care settings:
Music therapy can be implemented in various care settings, including nursing homes, memory care units, and home-based care. Certified music therapists design and facilitate sessions that cater to the specific needs and abilities of people with dementia. Implementing music therapy may involve one-on-one sessions, group sessions, or a combination of both.
Norfdoff and Robbins have some beautiful videos of music therapy Music therapy and dementia – May’s story (nordoff-robbins.org.uk)
Creating Musical playlists:
Caregivers and family members can create personalised musical playlists for people with dementia. These playlists can include songs from their youth, favourite artists, or music associated with significant life events. Digital music players or stream services make it convenient to access and organise personalised playlists.
Collaborating with Music Therapists:
Engaging the services of music therapists can be beneficial for maximising the benefits of music therapy. Music therapists have specialised training and expertise in designing and implementing therapeutic interventions tailored to the unique needs of individuals with dementia. They can provide guidance, structure, and evaluation of the therapy process.
Ongoing Assessment and Adaptation:
Regular assessment and adaptation of music therapy interventions are essential. As dementia progresses, individuals’ preferences, abilities, and responses may change. Caregivers, family members, and music therapists should collaborate to ensure the music therapy program remains meaningful and effective.
Integration of music into Daily Care:
Integrate music into daily care routines. Play background music during meals, provide headphones for personal listening, or engage in musical activities during leisure time. Incorporating music into everyday life enriches the environment, promotes well-being, and offers moments of joy and connection.
Conclusion:
Music therapy offers a range of benefits in dementia care, enhancing emotional well-being, communication, and social interaction. By incorporating personalised music playlists, collaborating with certified music therapists, and integrating music into daily care routines, caregivers can harness the power of music to positively impact the lives of people with dementia. Music has the ability to evoke memories, create connections and provide comfort. And well being for people living with dementia.
You may find these services based in Norfolk useful.
Musical Keys – Music groups for all ages, including a dementia group on the first Friday of the month in central Norwich, or 1 to 1 home visits.
Diss Dove Song Plus on the third Wednesday of the month in Diss United Reform Church
Diss Dove Song Plus! | Norfolk Community Directory
Many Dementia Cafes also use music in their settings.
Information about dementia care services from Purely Care