Music is more widely available than ever before, thanks to being able to carry smartphones or tablets everywhere we go. If you’re a caregiver for a senior, music can be an important part of your care routine. This video clip from the Alive Inside documentary illustrates just how incredibly powerful music can be for older adults with restricted capabilities and dementia.
With massive musical libraries readily available from places like iTunes, Pandora, Rhapsody, Spotify, and plenty of others, we can now find music, in many instances for no charge, in a variety of styles in just seconds. Caregivers can determine what sorts of music the older adult liked during his or her lifetime. The best music may be related to a particular period of time, such as Big Band music, or it might be unique to his or her religious beliefs, such as gospel music or hymns. The type of music enjoyed throughout one’s life can also hinge on the person’s ethnic history – like those who prefer reggae or salsa. Or, the older person might have enjoyed timeless favorites like jazz, blues, classical, country, and so on. Regardless of the musical preference, accessibility to music could have powerful benefits.
Music’s Link to Memories
Did you ever listen to a song on the radio and have it transport you back to a specific time in your life? Research has uncovered that music is strongly linked to personal memories. The human brain is actually hard-wired to link music with long-term memories. This is the case even for those with moderate to severe dementia.
Music & Memory is a non-profit organization that brings personalized music into the lives of older adults through digital music technology, greatly improving quality of life. The staff at Music & Memory train caregivers on how to create and use individualized playlists with digital devices to enable seniors who have dementia and other challenges to connect once again with the world through memories from music.
Music Can Create Connections to Others
Studies have also revealed that listening to music that is familiar and loved can help in reducing anxiety levels and increase focus on what is happening now, which in turn can help seniors with dementia to connect to others around them.
At Heaven at Home Senior Care, our goal is always to improve the quality of life for seniors through our skilled dementia home care services in Denton and the surrounding area. And, we go the extra mile when it comes to the little things that can brighten up the days of those we serve – such as through music and other creative activities. Call us today at 940-380-0500 to learn more about our dementia care in Denton and other nearby areas. For more information about all of the communities we serve, please visit our Service Area page.