music therapy Archives -

For persons with dementia and its many forms, stress is a very real problem. Concerned family members and caregivers are at a loss to make life better.

What is Individualized Music?

Recent studies using music therapy–particularly individualized music–have proven that music can play a key role in making life easier. Individualized music is music that has been a part of a person’s life and is based on personal preference

Why music works better than conversation.

As memory fades, so does one’s ability to process other sensory stimuli, thus an increase in stress and agitated behavior. Too often we assume the patient is simply overly demanding and should be able to control themselves. Music generally has a calming effect on others by changing the focus of attention If music chosen to play is familiar and associated with positive feelings, the music with have a soothing effect.

I does not take much time or effort to make a difference.

Just thirty minutes a day for two or three days a week has proven to make a significant difference in the anxiety level of the entire household. The family can be involved; children want to be helpful but are confused. Perhaps they can be in charge of playing music at a certain time, or sitting by the elderly person and listening with them.

Some tips in choosing the music:

1 Remember the music is for the patient, not you. If they cannot verbalize their preferences, choose music from their era or something you recall them singing or listening to.

2 Be cautious with volume; loud enough to hear, not so loud it grates on the nerves.

3. Vary the tunes, consider videos and audios. Find some perky children’s tunes that generate smiles and happy feelings.

4. Short periods of time will generally be more effective than too much music at one setting.

5. Not everyone responds to music therapy; be sensitive to the needs of each individual.

Whatever you do, music or other things, always serve with a smile. We all know, a genuine smile is good medicine for the giver as well as the recipient.

Hugs,

For a more detailed study by the World Journal of Psychiatry, click here.

Help fight stress, loneliness, boredom with music therapy.

Caregivers, consider how long a day confined at home; alone for extended periods of time would feel. You may sit in the same chair for hours. You hear others talking though not necessarily to you. What will occupy your mind?

How about your personal life. Find yourself stressed? Troubled? Stewing over things you cannot control?

Music can play a huge part in helping you care for others.

Our minds are busy all the time. With no diversion, we are prone to dwell on the struggles we have; the mistakes we have made; the what-ifs of life’s journey. Our troubles swell up inside us and we are agitated or “down in the dumps” before we realize what is happening.

Here are some helpful tips to get you started.

1. Keep music playing softly in the background to provide a peaceful atmosphere. Music soothes the soul.
2. Consider the preferences of those in your care. If elderly, find some music from their generation; an oldies radio station; or slow paced instrumentals.
3. Play gospel music for a lively change of pace. My elderly mother would sit straight up in her chair and lean toward the television set when Gaither’s Videos were playing. Her eyes would brighten, her smile return, and she was peaceful.
4. Encourage others to sing with you or hum some favorite songs. I’ll be the first to say, “I do not sing”. However, when Mother was up to it, we “sang” together and laughed. After all, the Bible says ” … make a joyful NOISE … ” and that we did!
5. Make sure the music is happy music; stay away from melodies that sound lonely or scary. This may sound a little over-simplified but I have walked into homes and wondered how you could sit there for a long period of time without screaming! The music should help you relax and focus on the positive side of life.

Music has a healing effect on even the most difficult patient.

It is known that music can greatly help those with dementia or Alzheimer’s Disease cope with daily activities. (Note: next week I will cover some amazing results in more detail.)

Here is the thing: you work hard to keep your home in order, food prepared, schedules met. Spend a little time this week thinking about your “air quality”; could you use a little music perk-up?

Hugs,

Click here to check out my online article on 5 Tips To Ease Stress in The Home