Greetings!

As caregivers, we are always looking for creative new ways to improve the lives of those we care for. For anybody taking care of a loved one with Alzheimer's, particularly as the disease progresses, finding those positive moments becomes more and more difficult.

The power of music has always amazed us in its ability to bring out people's emotions and improve their lives even when all else fails. We practice music daily in our community and offer some ideas below how to integrate music into your care routine.

If you or someone you know needs senior care, we are available 24/7 at 415-359-9700 or at info@providencecare.com.     

A structured music therapy program can have a profound positive impact on people with dementia. For years, music has been and continues to be a key component of the care program at Providence. Whether one-on-one or in group sessions, each day has time set aside for musical activities. The reason is simple: we see the real-life positive impact it has on seniors with dementia, including:

• Reducing depression and agitation
• Increasing socialization
• Alleviating difficult behaviors, and
• Improving communication and cognitive skills

Even in seniors with advanced dementia, exposing them to music that has personal significance or that is connected with historical events can trigger responses that the individual may not have been able to show with any other triggers. There is scientific evidence to suggest a strong connection between the human brain's auditory cortex and its limbic system, where emotions are processed. According to leading researchers, this link makes it possible for sound to be processed almost immediately by the areas of the brain that are associated with long-term memory and the emotions.

In a small 1986 study, only music elicited a physical response from those with final-stage Alzheimer's as measured in heart rate, breathing, eye blinking, and mouth movement. A later study that used music in palliative care found the combination of language, which is processed by one part of the brain, and music, processed by many parts of the brain, increases the chance of activating neurological pathways that language alone cannot.*

Given the positive effects of music therapy, below are a few ideas of activities you can practice with the senior in your life. Music therapy should be tailored to the unique preferences of the individual to be most effective:

• Play emotionally significant music from their childhood or early years
• Actively practice music using real instruments, such as the piano, drums, xylophone, etc.
• Sing out loud
• If possible, go to a live concert
• Watch movies with lots of music (The Sound of Music as an example)

*http://alzheimers.aplaceformom.com/articles/dementia-therapy-and-music

The Providence Family

Sampling of Providence March Activity Calendar: 

Download the full
March Activities Calendar here.

Do you have questions about the care for a loved one, or know someone in need of memory care services?  

We are available 24/7 for a FREE consultation.

Phone: 415-359-9700

EmaiI: info@providencecare.com