Music Therapy for Seniors & Aging Adults
Sessions for this population can be through contracts with facilities or privately. Sessions can be held in group or individual settings with a focus on improving cognition, socialization, relaxation, exercise, and spiritual comfort. The following are the types of settings in which music therapy can take place:
Memory care, dementia, Alzheimer’s
Residential and assisted living
Independent living
Hospice and palliative care
End of life
Rehabilitation
Various types of research (empirical, philosophical, case studies, and descriptive) have indicated that music therapy accomplishes a variety of objectives for individuals in assisted living or memory care facilities. Some of these include:
Objectives
Increased attention
Increased gross and fine motor skills
Improved cognitive functioning
Increased self-awareness
Improve mood
Decreased anxiety
Self-expression
Decreased agitation
Improve group cohesiveness
Techniques
Instrument and/or vocal play
Music as relaxation
Music listening
Group dancing
Group improvisation
Song choice
Therapeutic singing
Solo instrumental/vocal performances
Song recall
Iso Principle (use music to support emotions and increase self-awareness
Movement set to live or recorded music