We are exhibiting at Bring Care Home Conference - Join Us
We are exhibiting at Bring Care Home Conference - Join Us
Music holds a unique power for seniors with dementia. Unlike other faculties that decline, musical memories often remain vibrant, even in later stages.
Music therapy capitalizes on this strength, offering a non-invasive and engaging way to improve their well-being.
Through singing familiar songs, playing instruments, or simply listening, music therapy can spark joy, reduce anxiety, and promote relaxation. It can even improve communication, as music bypasses areas of the brain affected by dementia and fosters connection through shared memories and emotions.
The benefits extend beyond the individual. Music therapy can create positive social interactions, both with caregivers and fellow seniors. This not only enhances the quality of life for those with dementia but also reduces caregiver stress.
While dementia may be progressive, music therapy offers a powerful tool to manage symptoms, improve mood, and create moments of connection in a way that transcends cognitive decline.
To shed some light on the same, we interviewed a home care industry expert to bring her perspective on music therapy for seniors with dementia.
Who Did We Interview?
Lisa Peterson is the founder and CEO at Come On, Let’s Sing! LLC, which aims to provide the seniors a transformative experience via music therapy — one that makes them feel more balanced, centered, and connected. The idea is to help seniors create more safety, connection and joy in their lives and in their relationships through music.
Let us now delve into what she has to say about music therapy for seniors with dementia:
My inspiration for providing music therapy for people with dementia began in my last year of high school. I had had a close relationship with my grandparents growing up and I saw how instrumental music was for my grandfather’s wellbeing.
That is why I decided to dedicate myself to giving back to seniors through music.
I always make my sessions person-centered, finding ways for the person to be successful in the sessions.
Including family members in music therapy sessions is such a wonderful benefit to music therapy. Using music to assist people with dementia to connect with their family members in meaningful ways through music is so beneficial for both the person and their family members.
I have many examples of how music therapy brings about positive outcomes! People who feel confused and isolated before the music starts to play immediately start to smile, dance, sing and connect with others in a meaningful and joyful way as soon as music is played.
Collaborating with caregivers is another beautiful way to make sure that music therapy and its benefits have more long-lasting benefits. Training caregivers to utilize music for increasing trust, feelings of safety and enjoyment, can reap so many rewards for both the caregiver and the person with dementia.
Music unlocks a powerful world for seniors with dementia. Memories tied to music remain vibrant, making music therapy a safe and engaging way to improve well-being.
Singing, playing instruments, or simply listening can spark joy, ease anxiety, and even improve communication. The benefits extend beyond the individual, fostering social connection and reducing caregiver stress.
Music therapy isn’t a cure but a powerful tool to manage symptoms and create moments of joy that transcend cognitive decline.
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