Music has long been considered the universal language. Regardless of a person’s age or background, people throughout the Inland Empire have been able to connect and relate to one another through music. At St. Bernardine Care Providers, we believe that music therapy can actually help seniors in the High Desert region with some of their health conditions. Utilizing music therapy has been proven to help Apple Valley patients who are suffering from or are at risk for Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.
Why is Music Therapy Being Used for Senior Care?
Music therapy has been proven to help people in a variety of ways. In addition to possibly helping improve the cognitive function of people who have Alzheimer’s disease or dementia, it can also boost the mood of a given individual and the outlook that they have on life. Research has shown that people who hear particular song lyrics are able to recall specific memories and time periods of their life, and these same songs may make them feel happy, relaxed and less stressed about their current situation. It is an alternative treatment option that seems to complement traditional medical treatments that seniors may be receiving at the same time.
What are the Benefits to Music Therapy?
There are many benefits to music therapy. First and foremost, it will cheer up the person who requires treatment. It will improve their mood and may even make them feel more comfortable with the people who are treating them for their condition. It has been found to help improve the symptoms associated with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, and it is an affordable way to help improve a person’s quality of life. Music therapy elicits specific feelings in patients and can help them increase their awareness of a particular situation.
What Music Therapy Treatment Programs are Available?
Music therapy can be performed in a wide variety of ways. A caregiver may want to sing songs with seniors that they remember from specific time periods in their lives. This may include songs from their youth and even songs from their younger adult years. Therapy of this nature may help to drum up memories of the past. Soothing or relaxing music can be played for the patient while they take time to meditate or simply close their eyes and relax.
Music can also be used to make exercise more fun. For example, a person could go for a walk with a patient and play their favorite songs along the way. Music therapy can easily be incorporated into any senior citizens daily routine. Whether the care is being provided by St. Bernardine Care Providers or family members and friends want to try these techniques themselves, it is likely that this type of therapy program will be successful in some way.
Even if it just helps to improve the mood of the person on a daily basis, or if it truly helps them improve their memory after being diagnosed with dementia, music therapy can be considered a beneficial addition to a person’s routine.
