Many long-term caregivers have seen the video of Henry responding to music from his era. If using music in senior living communities was that easy, all residents would be issued an mp3 player upon admission.
The thing is, listening to music can be “both exquisite and excruciating, depending on your perspective.” Music preference is highly personal based upon our experiences and our exposure. For these reasons (among many other) care must be used in creating a playlist. There isn’t a one size fits all not even if people are the same age or from the same family.
And, music is more than listening. It can be participatory or social. Music can support movement and self-expression. Music can be many things.
With this in mind, here are 5 music tips for long-term care staff.
1. Think about why you are playing music.
Is it for the residents? the staff? the visitors? Knowing who the music is for assists you in selecting what is appropriate.
Are you playing it for a specific purpose? Determine the purpose and make sure the music supports it. A waltz may not encourage a vigorous workout. A Polka may not support relaxation at bedtime.
2. Limit the sound sources in the environment.
TV’s, radios, personal music, PA systems, people talking…there are sounds (or noise) everywhere! Hearing aids tend to amplifying all the sounds. Confused states can be increased by environmental sounds.
Have times where the sounds are off.
3. Learn what music people do enjoy and why.
Music preferences are often more specific than genres. It likely ALL country music or ALL jazz that someone likes. It is likely specific styles or performers. They might like some songs but not others.
And, people might enjoy a particular type of music for a reason. “It makes me think of my dad.” or “They played that at my wedding.” might be comments made for the same piece of music. Knowing the relationship a person has to a piece of music is helpful in knowing when to use it and when to avoid it.
Also, while we tend to think of people liking music from their late teens and their 20’s, they may have strong ties to other music. Be open to asking about other options.
4. Be sensitive to the emotion or memory tied to music.
Sometimes we have such as strong emotion/memory to a piece of music, we can’t stand to listen to it. If you see someone with limited ability to verbalize becoming agitated, stop the song or remove them if possible.
Sometimes it is a sensitivity to a sound. I once had a client who became aggressive whenever an accordion (live or recorded) was played. Do the same song sans accordion, and he was calm.
5. Consider including a music therapist on your team.
Music therapists can assist you in assessing resident needs and interests. While you may not be able to include a music therapist on a regular basis, consider hiring one as a consultant.
To locate a music therapist in your area, visit the Certification Board for Music Therapists or the American Music Therapy Association. Both groups are there to ensure you find a qualified professional.
If you are in the Hays, Kansas area feel free to use the contact button on the left to reach me.
I love your statement – “If using music in senior living communities was that easy, all residents would be issued an mp3 player upon admission.”. As a music therapist working for almost 20 years in long-term and continuing care, this is a great defense of the need for a music therapist and the training that we receive. Thank-you for sharing.
It is such a balance, John. Yes, donations of old mp3 players can support independent leisure activities. And, we need more music therapists providing services and consultations to facilities. Living in an area where it can be hours of travel between a music therapist and a senior living community, I strongly believe consultations on the best use and individual programming of mp3 players is ikely the most cost effective option for some facilities.
I’ve always been a big believer in music’s ability to influence us, but I hadn’t extended that ability to senior living facilities. As you said, some seniors can be overwhelmed by too much sound, but sometimes a relaxing melody in the background can cheer them up. It’s important to learn what music is enjoyed and be aware of how everyone in the living facility is affected. Thanks for the article.
Awareness is key. All the best with enriching lives at Stuart Lodge.
Hey!!!
In the 21st century, the number of assisted living communities being built is on the rise. This is a really good thing because every year, as more and more baby boomers retire; the need for this kind of intermediate care facility is growing.
It used to be that the only care option when you retired was retirement home. These were also called nursing homes, but they used to be the kind of place where nobody ever got nursed back to good health.
Thank you so much for great sharing
You’re welcome, Tom. If you and the rest of the Willows staff are looking for inservice presenters, I’m sure one of the fine music therapists in your state would be happy to assist. Please reach out if there is support I can offer from afar.
On behalf of your clients and their families, know your work and service are appreciated.