Six million elderly adults have symptoms of and deal with various stages of dementia. Dementia is a progressive disease that causes the brain to deteriorate, affecting a person’s entire way of life. Would you be surprised if we told you that there are benefits of music and that music therapy can offer to seniors? If you’re not sold on music therapy, you’ve come to the right place. Read on below.
How Does Music Benefits Seniors?
The first benefit seniors stand to gain from music therapy are numerous psychological benefits. There have been studies completed that show there is a correlation between music and the stabilization of a person’s mood. Unlike other things you can find a song for every feeling you have. For people dealing with dementia, this can lead to increased communication and can help trigger memories. For example, a song played that is from a person’s childhood can trigger fond memories of when they were younger. Another obvious benefit is that it can help influence a person’s memory.
Music has been shown to stimulate activity within a person’s brain. Therefore, it is common for someone with dementia to begin humming the tune of a song or repeating the same words of a song they’ve heard many times. When you opt for dementia care in Ivy Ridge, you’ll find that we understand the benefits of listening to music and offer music therapy for seniors. Lastly, music therapy can reduce stress in seniors, especially if they are dealing with increased confusion. Seniors with dementia also deal with difficulties communicating what they want to communicate to the people who are caring for them.
How Does Music Therapy For Older Adults Work?
The memory care community in Ivy Ridge understands how music therapy works, and we want to share that with you. There are several ways to integrate this form of therapy into the everyday lives of older adults. If you’re a family member, you can create a playlist of some of your loved ones’ favorite songs. You can request that the playlist you create be played in the apartment or living space of your loved one. The playlist can help trigger memories they are fond of.
There are several ways to offer it, including:
- Getting residents to dance and move to the music
- Hosting sing-alongs
- Use during meal times for optimal relaxation
- Playing music throughout the community and in living spaces
When you enter these communities, you’ll often hear music playing throughout the background. It’s loud enough for residents to hear but not disruptive to activities taking place throughout the community.
Benefits of Music in Dementia Care
There are several care plans used in memory care, but one of the most beneficial is music therapy. We’ve discussed some of the benefits of music above, and now it’s time to take the next step in your loved ones’ life. Contact Inspired Living for more help and resources today.
