We hear music everywhere, whether riding in an elevator or waiting on hold for a customer service representative. Establishments from restaurants to doctor’s offices understand the influence that music has on behavior and mood, and choose their background soundtracks accordingly. In fact, music has so many emotional and physical benefits that it merits closer scutiny for memory care patients.
“All it takes is one song to bring back a thousand memories.”
Although the author of the above quote is unknown, the sentiment they express is understood by all of us. A favorite song can instantly evoke a moment in time and vividly remind us of a specific person, place or memory from our past. Our brains powerfully connect to melodies, and music is considered an important part of memory care research. In this article we look at the powerful impact that music can have on the lives of those struggling with cognitive issues.
Tangible Benefits of Music
Health – Research strongly indicates that music enhances a person’s overall health, facilitating mobility, coordination, and cognitive ability. It helps us to fall asleep more easily and enjoy more restful nights; it is beneficial for pain management; and studies have shown that music can reduce recovery time after a surgery. Stroke victims have experienced a more rapid restoration of verbal skills when integrating music into their rehabilitation process.
Memory – Many scientific studies have focused on the connection between brain function and music. Scientists have discovered that the region of the brain that processes music is typically the least affected by Alzheimer’s disease, inspiring many memory care residences to add music therapy to their residents’ treatment plans. Music stimulates the brain and studies have shown it capable of strengthening both verbal and cognitive skills. For memory care patients, music can bring back a flood of early memories, which is profoundly comforting in most cases.
Emotion – Everyone has experienced music’s ability to relieve stress and anxiety, and calm our nerves. Music supports and inspires positive emotions and elevates mood. Adding music to one’s daily routine can result in more happiness and more productive social interactions. These benefits are realized for individuals in any age group or demographic, but are particularly meaningful for senior citizens. Even if their life is changing rapidly, they can always put on a favorite song from a bygone era and escape for a few minutes to a favorite time or place.
Infusing Music into Your Senior Loved One’s Routine
- Senior residences and memory care centers often invite local musicians to perform for their residents. If your family member lives in memory care or assisted living, encourage them to attend these events. If you can, attend the concert with them. Be prepared with a list of favorite songs and see if the artist can play a song that is special to your loved one. Don’t be shy about singing along with them! It will provide them with great happiness.
- If your family member was a musician or performer, encourage them to dust off their instrument. They don’t have to produce concert-ready music – they just need to remember their love of the melodies and emotions. Reviving a musical hobby can have a significant positive impact on memory and fine motor skills, and can aso reduce blood pressure and lower the heart rate. You may be surprised just how many songs your memory care patient still remembers.
- The internet provides countless resources to find songs representing all genres of music, regardless of era. Create a playlists that can be easily accessed on a smartphone, tablet or MP3 player. If your loved one cannot understand how to access the playlist, have a member of staff turn it on for them. Hearing familiar songs will create a sense of familiarity and comfort for memory care patients, and will make them feel more at ease and less anxious.
Find the Right Home for Your Loved One
Music is just one of the many ways that seniors with cognitive issues can find peace and joy. If you are seeking the best memory care residence for your loved one, call My Care Finders today. Ou professional team will work with you to match your loved one with a residence that most closely aligns with their needs, personality and preferences – and our services are always FREE OF CHARGE to
