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Advice by Alicia: The Benefit of Music in Memory Care

Monday, May 11, 2020

Alicia Seaver is the Vice President of Memory Care Operations for EPOCH Senior Living and a Certified Memory Impairment Specialist. Every month, she addresses a specific issue related to memory and memory care. If you’re interested in hearing about a particular topic, please send a note to [email protected].
Q: Why is music such a good therapy for people with memory loss?

Music is amazing, isn’t it? You can hear a song and suddenly you’re transported back to your wedding day or your high school years. If you’re like me, you can probably remember all the words to “that one song” that you played over and over again when you were younger. Music is something that connects us all, no matter how old or young we are or what language we speak. It’s no wonder, then, that music proves to be an excellent therapy tool for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.

Research shows that the parts of the brain that recognize music often remain untouched by the disease, which means that even if an individual’s memory deteriorates, the memory for music remains. Many people who work in the memory care field have shared stories about an uncommunicative and unresponsive resident suddenly singing along and clapping to a favorite song. It’s a truly remarkable experience.

Beyond connecting people with memories, music can also help reduce unwanted behaviors in individuals with memory challenges. Playing music can boost mood, improve focus and reduce agitation. The science behind this is simple: music can stimulate multiple parts of the brain simultaneously and can engage three of the five major senses: hearing, touch and sight. That’s a powerful tool, indeed.

At Bridges® by EPOCH, we’ve seen the power of music firsthand and how it can improve the lives of the individuals who call us home. Music can be used in a variety of ways to help enhance an environment, change a behavior and boost moods. For example, we may play a resident’s favorite music when they’re getting dressed in the morning or calming music to help them relax before bedtime and to reduce the effects of sundowning. Music can be used as a therapeutic tool when a challenging behavior is starting or to help with communication when dementia patients can no longer speak. Dementia patients can sway, tap or clap along to the music as a form of self-expression.

We’re excited to utilize Eversound®, a wireless headphone system designed specifically for senior living, to our residents. This life-changing technology is used in our music therapy offerings – but it does more than that. Eversound has been designed to eliminate frustrating background buzz to allow seniors to clearly hear conversations, music and more. The system also streams interactive programming as well as community group events, and provides communication opportunities for residents, families and team members.

If you have a loved one with memory issues and you’d like to find ways to connect with them, why not put together a customized playlist of songs from their past? We’ve found that music that’s familiar to the individual has the most impact. Think about some of their favorite songs or Broadway shows they always loved. Whatever you choose, I know it will be meaningful for your loved one.

 

Enhancing Quality of Life

Bridges® by EPOCH communities have been developed from the ground up to anticipate, meet and exceed the needs of our residents and their families. Our team of remarkable people, the exceptional care and services we offer and the purposeful design of our buildings all combine to create the most rewarding, secure and nurturing lifestyle possible for our residents.

We understand the concern families feel about ensuring quality of life for loved ones. That’s why, at Bridges® by EPOCH, we offer a wellness-centered lifestyle that focuses on reinforcing individual strength, so residents enjoy heightened confidence and self-esteem. Ultimately, we provide everything residents need to thrive and rediscover a life with purpose.

 

Inspiration for Success

At our Bridges® by EPOCH communities, we work closely with families to gain necessary insight and deeper understanding into the lives of our residents upon admission. With this initial information, along with what our exceptional team members learn about our residents each and every day, we are best prepared to provide highly individualized programming for our residents.

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