Music Can Create a Sense of Well-Being
In today’s times, music is more widely accessible than ever before. For those who take smartphones or tablets with them everywhere they go, hundreds of thousands – if not tens of millions of tunes – are merely a couple of touches or finger swipes away. If you are a caregiver for an older adult, your smartphone can be one of the most practical tools in your possession in helping realize the benefits of music for older adults. This popular video clip from the Alive Inside documentary shows just how incredibly effective music can be for seniors with restricted abilities and dementia.
With vast musical libraries easily available from places like iTunes, Pandora, Rhapsody, Spotify, and numerous others, we can now find music, in many cases at no cost, in a variety of genres in only seconds. Caregivers can find out what kinds of music the older person enjoyed throughout his or her lifetime. The music might be specific to a certain period of time, such as Big Band music, or it could be unique to his or her religious beliefs, like gospel or hymns, for example. The type of music enjoyed throughout one’s life may also hinge on the person’s cultural background – such as those who prefer reggae or salsa. Or, the senior may have enjoyed timeless favorites such as jazz, blues, classical, country, etc. Regardless of the musical preference, accessibility to music can have powerful advantages.
Music Sparks Memories
Did you ever listen to a song on the radio and have it transport you back to a distinct time in your life? Studies have uncovered that music is clearly linked to personal memories. The human brain is actually hard-wired to associate music with long-term memories. This is the case even for those with moderate to severe dementia.
Music & Memory [D2] is a non-profit company that brings personalized music into the lives of older individuals through digital music technology, vastly enhancing quality of life. The staff at Music & Memory train caregivers for seniors and family members in how to develop and use individualized playlists with digital devices to empower older adults who have dementia and other challenges to connect once again with the world through memories from music.
Reducing Anxiety in Seniors With Dementia
Studies have also shown that hearing music that is familiar and loved can help in lowering anxiety levels and enhance focus on the present timeframe, which in turn assists seniors with dementia to connect to others around them.
At Compassionate Care Home Health Services, our intent is always to improve the quality of life for seniors through our highly skilled dementia home care services and support. And, we go the extra mile in the small things that can bring joy to the days of those we serve – such as through music and other creative activities. Contact us today at 877.308.1212 to learn more about our services for in-home health in Traverse City, MI, and the surrounding communities.