Incorporating music therapy into the everyday lives of memory care communities has become increasingly popular, and for good reason. Music can not only help to bring back memories, but it can also alter the behavior and mood of an aging adult. Since music is a universal language, there are lots of physical and emotional benefits of music for patients dealing with dementia. Read on to find out more about how music plays an important role in seniors who are dealing with dementia.
Benefits of Music for Those with Dementia
According to several studies conducted on music intervention for patients with Alzheimer’s, music improves communication, behavior, mood, and understanding. Music therapy offers a wide range of benefits, which include:
- Better sleep
- Improved memory
- Lower stress levels
- Enhanced cognition
- Less anxiety and agitation
- Reduced symptoms of depression
Apart from cognitive benefits, music therapy is also beneficial to the physical body. For instance, music with a good groove and a fun beat can encourage older adults to exercise, which leads to increased movement. On the other hand, music that has a low tempo can help to reduce blood pressure.
How Does Music Impact Someone with Dementia?
Music is known to engage and stimulate one’s brain. Music also tends to evoke an emotional response, and can even trigger certain specific memories within a person. For those who battle with dementia or Alzheimer’s, listening to certain types of music can help them retrieve important feelings and memories, such as their wedding day, their children’s birthday, and more.
Music Therapy in Memory Care Communities
With the benefits of music for memory care well-known and widespread, memory care communities have also chosen to incorporate music therapy in their programs. Such therapy is popular as it is inexpensive, effective, and simple to implement.
There are three techniques to take note of when working with older adults in senior living communities. The first is to play familiar music and encourage older adults to follow the beat and shake or tap musical instruments like rhythm sticks, egg shakers, spoons, bells, hand clappers, and more. The second is to use a drum to make a firm beat for older adults to follow. The use of a drum can provide strong sound foundations, and allow the older adults to follow easily or even create their own rhythm. Thirdly, caregivers are also encouraged to dance, make music and sing with the participants.
If your loved one is currently dealing with dementia and you are wondering how you can incorporate music therapy for them, you can consider consulting a senior living community to understand more about how a memory care community could benefit your loved one. At The Trace, we offer SHINE® memory care and our team of experts is well-equipped and trained to care for those with dementia and Alzheimer’s. We offer a wide range of activities every day for our residents and do our best to ensure that they are having an enjoyable stay with us. Feel free to contact us to find out more about what we have to offer at our senior living community today.
