Music Therapy In Geriatric Care

In music, people can make themselves heard, even if they cannot communicate verbally or words have long lost their meaning. Music (therapy) helps people find a way out of their isolation, find pleasure in making music together, or enjoy soothing sounds in an individual therapy setting. Its individualized design makes it adaptable for a wide range of moods that older people experience in everyday life, and can help in difficult situations. Creative work in music therapy is always professionally grounded - subtly, playfully, or expressively, and is used to underscore mood. This book describes music therapy objectives and methods for older people. It provides many tips for specific sequences of interventions, for using instruments, choice of music, and related discussion topics.

"With the rapid growth of the aging population, an increasing number of persons are diagnosed each year with age-related disorders. The use of music can do much to enhance the plan of care for aging adults. The clinical and musical expertise of a board-certified music therapist is always preferable. There are times, however, when a music therapist is not available and healthcare workers may find music interventions useful for clients--especially those who may be experiencing pain or stress. The primary purpose of this handbook is to educate music therapists and healthcare professionals about the uses and evidence-based benefits of music therapy practices with older adults--those in hospice care, with Alzheimer's disease, in health and wellness programs, and in intergenerational programs. For each of the adult populations, the handbook includes chapters on practical introductory information, reviews of related music therapy research, and clinical applications of evidence-based music therapy practice. The applications are hierarchically ordered for healthcare providers and board-certified music therapists who have advanced skills in music and working with older adults. With these research-based applications, music can become an integral part of the comprehensive care plan for adult clients." -- Publisher's description.

In this comprehensively updated second edition, written by Alicia Ann Clair and Jenny Memmott the extraordinary benefits of music therapy for older adults are detailed. Therapeutic Uses of Music with Older Adults not only examines these benefits but also clarifies the reasons that music is beneficial. This important book shows both informal and formal caregivers how to use music to enhance the quality of life of older adults - including people with physical impairments and people with dementia. Written by two of the nation's leading music therapists, Therapeutic Uses of Music with Older Adults offers strategies for using music to: provide diversion for inactivity, discomfort, and daily routine; decrease symptoms of depression, anxiety insomnia, and agitation; handle problem behaviors; provide physical and emotional stimulation; help in the rehabilitation of people with cardiac disease, Parkinson's disease, and impairments related to stroke; help in the management of pain; facilitate social integration; communication; and the expression of feelings, including anger and grief; and relieve the stress and tension associated with caring for older adults.

The transformative role music therapy can play in all areas of healthcare, and especially in the care of older adults is increasingly apparent. However, while music activities are present in most care settings, these activities don't provide the therapeutic benefits that are possible with music therapy-informed interventions and programs. Best practices from music therapy are transforming dementia care, and have the potential to improve healthcare-and health-for older people, whatever their needs, wherever they receive care. Dr. Concetta Tomaino, a pioneer in the field of music therapy,. shares more than 40 years of clinical and research experience--not just with Music Therapists but also with healthcare leaders, clinicians, and direct care staff. With chapters on mental health and wellness, dementia, as well as movement and speech rehabilitation, this comprehensive and friendly practice guide will help all caregivers use music therapy best practices to provide better, more fulfilling support across all senior healthcare settings.

Dementia is the most significant health issue facing our aging population. With no cure to date, there is an urgent need for the development of interventions that can alleviate symptoms of dementia and ensure optimal well-being for people with dementia and their caregivers. There is accumulating evidence that music is a highly effective, non-pharmacological treatment for various symptoms of dementia at all stages of disease progression. In its various forms, music (as a medium for formal therapy or an informal activity) engages widespread brain regions, and in doing so, can promote numerous benefits, including triggering memories, enhancing relationships, affirming a sense of self, facilitating communication, reducing agitation, and alleviating depression and anxiety. This book outlines the current research and understanding of the use of music for people with dementia, from internationally renowned experts in music therapy, music psychology, and clinical neuropsychology.

This Research Topic is the second volume of Music Therapy in Geriatrics. Please find the first Edition here. Demographic projections estimate that by 2050, the number of people aged 65 and older in the world will soar to 1.5 billion, approximately one-third of the total population. Medical and technological advances have certainly contributed to enhanced longevity. However, with advanced age, there is a concomitant elevation in the prevalence of chronic diseases. The Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion in the U.S. found that in 2012, 60% of older adults reported at least two of the following conditions: Cancer, heart disease, emphysema or chronic bronchitis, stroke, diabetes mellitus, and Alzheimer’s disease. These diagnoses carry the extensive costs and burdens of serious illnesses, and also mean that family caregivers of loved ones with these conditions experience significant challenges, placing them at extreme risk for a variety of stress-related illnesses and afflictions, and accounting for high rates of morbidity and mortality.