Why music therapy? How is it unique?
Music is processed all over the brain, unlike other stimuli. Music has texture, rhythm, melody, possibly lyrics, volume, harmony, tempo, timbre, emotional content. Music also has the power to entrain muscles, supporting physical movement.
Research, including systematic reviews and meta-analyses, supports the use of music therapy to treat anxiety, depression, disruptive behavior, to promote cognitive function, and to improve quality of life in those with dementia. Music therapy can help to maintain communication and increase social interaction. Some have even promoted music therapy as a first-line of treatment, as a non-pharmacological method of promoting optimum functioning. Even in late-stage dementia, when language may seem mostly gone, responsiveness to music often remains.
What are some of the needs of a
senior population?
- Anxiety and stress reduction
- Memory stimulation
- Maintenance or rehab of physical abilities
- Social interaction, reducing isolation
- Positive influences on mood
- Maintenance of communication skills
- Making meaning, finding hope
What does a typical session look like?
Any given session may find participants singing, song-writing, playing assorted instruments, engaging in movement. Of course, discussion and reminiscing are always likely to occur! The music therapist aims to use client-preferred music. As part of the cost of sessions, instruments are provided for participants to use.
Whether at home, in assisted living, in rehabilitation or a skilled nursing facility, music therapy may provide steps toward a greater sense of wholeness, control, positivity, and connectedness. Music therapy can also contribute to maintaining physical abilities, such as gait training or range of motion.
Available Venues
Music Activity Groups:
These are sessions that are music-therapy based and are led by a board-certified music therapist. Documentation of goals is not expected between music therapist and facility. Sessions may look very much like a typical music therapy session, simply without the documentation. Suggested frequency of sessions is once per week, but is negotiable.
Music Therapy Groups:
These are closed groups of 6 – 8 participants. Goals and objectives are identified and documented by the music therapist, working in cooperation with other support staff. Suggested frequency is once per week, but is negotiable.
Individual Therapy Sessions:
Individualized goals and objectives are worked on through music, with the music therapist meeting the client privately. Suggested frequency is once per week, but may be adjusted according to perceived need and efficacy.
You may also discuss other ideas for making therapy connections with your music therapist. We are creative and flexible in our approaches.
For more about music therapy with those experiencing dementia or Alzheimer’s Disease, click on this link to a page on the website of the American Music Therapy Association.