How to Use Music as Therapy for Seniors- An Easy Guide
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How to Use Music as Therapy for Seniors- An Easy Guide

How to Use Music as Therapy for Seniors- An Easy Guide

Music has the power to change hearts and moods, lift people out of depression, and help heal scars. Music can also help combat painful memories and improve decision-making abilities in seniors. Music is a living language that transcends borders, culture, age groups, and continents. It inspires everyone from children to seniors alike.

But what makes music so important when caring for seniors? How can a caregiver include music in the senior's in-home care program? And what are the particular benefits of doing so when the senior has dementia? This article answers some of the most pressing questions you may ask yourself when caring for seniors.

Why is Music Important for Seniors?

Music is essential for seniors because it has the ability to:

  • Improve the brain function of elders by improving memory and reconnecting with old memories.
  • Boost the immune system of older people through music therapy and reduce their stress levels, therefore reducing symptoms such as pain, fatigue, and anxiety
  • Improve mood by stimulating areas of the brain linked to emotion. Music also encourages social interaction, which helps improve mental well-being.

Studies have found that music therapy helps seniors improve emotionally, physically, and cognitively. When seniors participate in musical activities regularly, it will help them remain active socially and physically due to this being an activity that engages both mind and body together.

How to Incorporate Music When Caring for Seniors

There are many ways you can use music as a form of therapy when caring for senior citizens, some of which include:

Singing with a Companion

You don't have to be good at singing to enjoy it, and your senior loved one won't care if you're not on key—they want the company! If you or they have trouble remembering lyrics, find the words online and print them out so everyone can follow along.

Playing an Instrument

Playing an instrument together is also a great idea that doesn't require any talent or skill level beyond being able to make noise with the musical instrument! Duets are simple enough even for someone who hasn't played in years, and some musical instruments, like bells or rattles (think maracas!), are straightforward to play from the start.

Listening to Music Together

Listening to music together is often as enjoyable for seniors as participating in it if their mobility declines due to age or illness.

Dancing with a Caregiver

Many seniors enjoy dancing but can no longer participate without help—and that's where caregivers come in! One type of dancing involves holding hands while moving around each other in a simple pattern.

What are the Benefits of In-Home Music Activities?

If you're a caregiver or friend of an older person, here are some helpful things to know about the benefits of music therapy for seniors:

  • Music can help reduce anxiety and depression in seniors.
  • Music helps create a relaxing environment when giving care to seniors. It allows caregivers to provide care in a calm, organized manner to focus on the task at hand.
  • Offering music during respite care helps distract seniors from feelings of pain, such as cutting nails or removing calluses.

Music is also great for lifting a senior's mood. A pleasant tune in the background can distinguish between an enjoyable conversation and an awkward silence when talking with an older person. When providing home health care services, try playing a light classical piece or other soothing music as you work on bathing, dressing, or feeding your senior loved one!

What are The Benefits of Including Music When Caring for Dementia Clients?

To a dementia patient, music can stimulate memories, create confidence and inspire creativity. But it does not only stop there. Some other benefits of using music in-home senior care include:

Lowers anxiety

Music can have a calming effect on dementia patients and reduces their anxiety levels. Playing music through a speaker system or headphones can be very calming to your loved one, especially if they are in the later stages of dementia and have agitation issues.

Promotes memory

It's thought that old memories are tied to music because people tend to remember what sounds were popular during particular decades. The song lyrics bring back nostalgic feelings as well.

Build social relationships

If you're a caregiver, it might be helpful to offer your loved one music-based activities like dance. It can help them relax, ease anxiety, and foster memory by bringing back old memories. Talk with your loved one about the benefits of in-home care or companionship care for seniors struggling with regular day-to-day chores and who need extra help.

Get Help from Professionals

In conclusion, music is one of the best ways to stimulate the mind and engage the body. Music holds many benefits for seniors, from reducing depression, anxiety, and loneliness to fighting off dementia and improving cognitive abilities. As a family caregiver, you can play your part by introducing music to your loved one's daily life.

If you are looking for a professional in-home caregiver or non-medical senior care services in Oklahoma City, look no further than Senior Helpers of Greater Oklahoma City. Contact us today to learn more about our services and resources and how we can help make everyday life more manageable and purposeful.