Music Therapy for Seniors!

Music can play such a
significant part of our lives; as a way to reminisce about old times, getting
us to move or just to change our mood and tap or hum along to a beat. For
caretakers, playing music can be a helpful way to break up the day, enliven a
quiet home or as an icebreaker for your loved one to discuss memories an old
favorite song conjures up. 

Here are a few easy ways
to incorporate music into your care:

Choosing Music

You need to consider
the music or genre that you play. The most powerful choices will be songs that
spur positive memories. For example, if your father was a fan of Motown music,
music from that era and genre would be a great place to start. Music that is
easy to listen to and is engaging often helps too. That includes songs that are
easy to dance or clap along to, or ones that your loved one can sing along
with. Finding the right songs and artists will take trial and error. You can
also use music as a bonding exercise using services like Spotify and Pandora to
stream music, utilizing hundreds of playlists to choose from. Using a Streaming
services playlist can allow your loved one to explore a genre of music or hear
a song from their long ago past they haven’t thought about in decades.

Create a Sing-along

Finding music to
sing along to can be exceptionally fun and often takes people out of the moment
that they’re in. This can be as simple as choosing a song or two and telling
your loved one that you’re going to sing along to it, together. Doing it
together is important, as helps reduce any self-consciousness. Even suggest
your loved one to pick a song they would want to sing-along to and see if you
can provide the lyrics to assist.

Drum or Tap Along

Drumming or tapping
along to the music helps your loved one “feel” the music as they actively
participate and with upbeat music can improve their mood. In Music
Therapy, a drum circle is a common approach to encourage further engagement
and improve moods. The idea works well for people with dementia, as they retain
a rhythmic instinct. Instead of musical instruments you can find makeshift drums
in cardboard boxes, pots, pans or anything that creates a sound when you tap
your fingers on it.

Develop a Playlist

Once you know the
genre of music or specific songs/artists your loved one enjoys, you can develop
a playlist that is uniquely tuned to them. You can use speakers or headphone to
allow both yourself your loved one to listen to the same music. Give your loved
one access to these play lists (even if that means the antiquated process of
creating a CD mixtape!) so that they can play their music at their leisure. The
creation of the playlist can also be an activity where your loved one has the
decision making authority to pick and choose what goes onto the list and can
facilitate further conversation on the types and genres of music your loved one
prefers.

Final Thoughts

Playing music
is an effective tool to improve the mood and increase rapport with our loved
ones. Music can be utilized easily and everyone can engage with it, even
seniors who struggle to move can still enjoy music.For caretakers
looking for ways to increase connections and support for their loved ones
utilizing music during routines and leisure time can be a simple way of
assisting with those desires.

Consider consulting our complimentary downloadable guide for
Alternative
Therapy for Seniors.