Using Music As Therapy
Using music as therapy is a very effective tool to make a strong connection with people diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. Research continues to support that music is a way to make a strong connection. I have gained my knowledge of music and healthcare over the past 30 years. Although I use music as therapy, I am not a music therapist. But, beginning as a child, I performed at healthcare facilities to entertain. Now, I use music in two separate ways. I use music to entertain and also to improve “quality of life” and/or "make a connection" for moderate-severe Alzheimer patients.
From my experience, the importance of knowing which “songs” that will connect with someone is monumental. When working in corporate healthcare, I obtain information about music in the patient’s psycho-social history. This information ALWAYS depends on the individual and THEIR diversity. What songs work for one person may not work for another. From my experience, you cannot simply start playing recorded music and expect to make a connection or improve quality of life. The person has to have the specific song stored in their memory....favorite music from the past. Even to entertain the general elder population, it is important to play age/stage appropriate music to truly entertain. Also, using music as therapy can be trial and error. But, once you know which songs work…they always work!
With this said, I will briefly discuss music with groups and then individual. With groups, I always converse with the patients beforehand to see if I can learn about their specific “taste” in music. When I perform, I always bring a “fakebook,” so I can play and sing specific songs that may be requested. In addition, when making initial plans to perform, I ask the age range so I can bring appropriate music. When using recorded music, I locate CD’s of the “Hit Parade” depending on the age range of the group. These CDs can easily be found for free at the library and inexpensively in stores. I have never made a real connection with music that the patient was not familiar with. And, with recorded music, I prefer to use the original artist. I never turn on a CD and leave. When I use music, to get the patients involved, I always remain, singing, reminiscing, and enjoying the music with the patients, to get them involved.
The individualized music that makes “connections” works well with moderate-severe Alzheimer’s disease and hospice. My definition of “connection” is not someone saying, “thank-you, I enjoyed the show.” My definition of connection is at a much deeper level. An experience, that is not easily, if ever, forgotten by the healthcare provider. At this point in time, I am grateful to say that I have made many unforgettable connections. Many times, someone who has regressed inside themself, and can no longer verbally communicate, will hear a song, and BOOM! They may stand-up and start singing, start singing and clapping, and/or singing and dancing. They really come alive! Many times, I will be performing and all of a sudden, the experience happens. To witness this is truly a miracle. I have witnessed this time after time after time. The staff and everyone is shocked, but with joy and happiness. To witness this kind of connection is truly unforgettable. Usually, this patient is the one you see that sits in a chair all day and never verbalizes. Or, they speak in a nonsensical manner. And sadly, many people walk past them on a regular basis because they do not verbalize. To make this kind of connection with someone who doesn’t communicate is a powerful feeling. Many times this connection is made without trying and can happen at any time. And, many times, when least expected. It is truly an amazingly powerful, life-changing experience. I sincerely hope that everyone who tries using music as therapy truly understands the basics. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me. Please, check out this short video: "Alive Inside."
From my experience, the importance of knowing which “songs” that will connect with someone is monumental. When working in corporate healthcare, I obtain information about music in the patient’s psycho-social history. This information ALWAYS depends on the individual and THEIR diversity. What songs work for one person may not work for another. From my experience, you cannot simply start playing recorded music and expect to make a connection or improve quality of life. The person has to have the specific song stored in their memory....favorite music from the past. Even to entertain the general elder population, it is important to play age/stage appropriate music to truly entertain. Also, using music as therapy can be trial and error. But, once you know which songs work…they always work!
With this said, I will briefly discuss music with groups and then individual. With groups, I always converse with the patients beforehand to see if I can learn about their specific “taste” in music. When I perform, I always bring a “fakebook,” so I can play and sing specific songs that may be requested. In addition, when making initial plans to perform, I ask the age range so I can bring appropriate music. When using recorded music, I locate CD’s of the “Hit Parade” depending on the age range of the group. These CDs can easily be found for free at the library and inexpensively in stores. I have never made a real connection with music that the patient was not familiar with. And, with recorded music, I prefer to use the original artist. I never turn on a CD and leave. When I use music, to get the patients involved, I always remain, singing, reminiscing, and enjoying the music with the patients, to get them involved.
The individualized music that makes “connections” works well with moderate-severe Alzheimer’s disease and hospice. My definition of “connection” is not someone saying, “thank-you, I enjoyed the show.” My definition of connection is at a much deeper level. An experience, that is not easily, if ever, forgotten by the healthcare provider. At this point in time, I am grateful to say that I have made many unforgettable connections. Many times, someone who has regressed inside themself, and can no longer verbally communicate, will hear a song, and BOOM! They may stand-up and start singing, start singing and clapping, and/or singing and dancing. They really come alive! Many times, I will be performing and all of a sudden, the experience happens. To witness this is truly a miracle. I have witnessed this time after time after time. The staff and everyone is shocked, but with joy and happiness. To witness this kind of connection is truly unforgettable. Usually, this patient is the one you see that sits in a chair all day and never verbalizes. Or, they speak in a nonsensical manner. And sadly, many people walk past them on a regular basis because they do not verbalize. To make this kind of connection with someone who doesn’t communicate is a powerful feeling. Many times this connection is made without trying and can happen at any time. And, many times, when least expected. It is truly an amazingly powerful, life-changing experience. I sincerely hope that everyone who tries using music as therapy truly understands the basics. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me. Please, check out this short video: "Alive Inside."
