In our day-to-day involvement with people living with dementia, many of us have witnessed that serendipitous moment when someone “lights up” to a favorite song. How can we bring the same joy and engagement to others in our care, with greater intention?
The Importance of Early Music Discovery
Here’s the most important step: Don’t wait to find out your loved one’s favorite music. Ask while they are still able to tell you. The sooner you learn their preferences, the more accurate the playlist. And the more accurate the playlist, the greater the impact for the rest of their lives—to brighten mood and improve well-being, reduce falls and delirium, even ease caregiver stress.
Caregivers who are intentional about providing music soon discover that it becomes an indispensable part of their daily routines. Whether at home, in the car, during medical appointments, knowing your loved one’s favorite songs can turn mundane tasks into moments of connection. Singing together, reminiscing over shared memories, or even cooking a meal can all be enhanced by the right soundtrack.
Addressing the Awareness Gap
Despite all the known benefits of listening to favorite music, many caregivers are simply unaware of how music can significantly enhance quality of life for people with dementia. A recent study, Music Engagement as Part of Everyday Life in Dementia Caregiving Relationships at Home sheds light on this issue. The study followed 21 pairs of people with dementia and their caregivers, revealing a stark divide in how favorite music is utilized:
Paid Caregivers: Those with experience in long-term care homes were more likely to play music daily, having previously witnessed its benefits.
Music-Aware Family Caregivers: Family members with a background in healthcare or an understanding of music’s benefits also integrated music into daily care, recognizing its potential.
Music-Unaware Family Caregivers: This group, despite having a history of enjoying music before their loved one’s cognitive decline, simply didn’t realize how beneficial music could be for persons living with dementia.
The Multifaceted Benefits of Music in Caregiving
So, for those who aren’t aware, here are just some of the real benefits of playing musical favorites for your loved one, whether at home or in a residential setting. Favorite music helps restore an individual’s sense of self and identity—so crucial for people with dementia. It can help to increase social interaction while reducing anxiety, depression and loneliness.
There are certainly many forms music access can take: singing, dancing, playing instruments, or just listening. Any one of these activities can significantly improve mood and morale, create a calming atmosphere, and make daily tasks like bathing or dressing easier to manage.
Making the right music accessible is increasingly understood as a first-line tool in dementia care, not an afterthought. While there is no guarantee that it will work for everyone, playing an individual’s beloved music will work for most.
Creating a Sustainable Music Care Plan
So, what’s the plan? Think about your own listening habits. We only listen to the music we want to, when we want, and for as long as we want. Even if our cognition should decline, that would not change.
For older adults, with dementia or at risk, it’s essential to start early with music discovery to learn what moves them. We need to make access to their favorite music a priority, regardless of healthcare setting. Family, friends, and professional caregivers can all contribute to the effort.
Maximize success by ensuring that your loved one has daily access to favorite music at home. Make sure the music benefits follow them to other care settings. Advocate, if necessary, just as you would for their best possible care. Some caregiving settings may be aware of the efficacy of music; others may not. But you will know how your loved one responds to the music, and how to improve their experience. Their improved quality of life will be everyone’s reward.
