Dementia Assisted Living Is Enhanced With Music Therapy
Dementia assisted living that provides music therapy is a strong stimulus for engaging positive responses in seniors with Alzheimer’s. Even in the late stages of the progressive disease, listening to songs that have personal meaning can trigger a reaction. As part of a life enrichment program, it can have a significant impact on improving cognitive abilities and for reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety.
Providing music therapy is invaluable for enhancing the lives of seniors with severe memory loss. By stimulating the brain and awakening their interest, it helps them to stay connected and mentally active. Importantly, music therapy is also effective in treating pain, grief, and a variety of other problems. A study by Stanford University on the effects of music therapy on older adults concluded that “Rhythmic music may change brain function and treat a range of neurological conditions, including attention deficit disorder and depression.”
There is evidence that suggests musical activity involves many parts of the brain (emotional, motor, and cognitive areas), and is an effective way to help someone remember or to learn. Certain areas of the brain, in particular the hippocampus, are still relatively intact in a person with late-stage dementia.
Music therapy is often used to slow the decline of speech skills in people with dementia. In some cases, people have begun speaking again after years of silence. In others, someone who no longer speaks may suddenly start singing. In addition, music inspires dancing, which is great for improving physical mobility.
In Kansas City and Shawnee, dementia assisted living at Clover Care Home implements music therapy as a part of our life enrichment program. We understand how the clinical use of music can be used to enhance physical, mental, social and emotional function. By providing the sensory and intellectual stimulation of music, in this way we can help maintain a person’s quality of life.
As the population of elderly people increases, at Clover Care Home, we are constantly seeking out ways to foster forgotten memories in our patients. Our residents are our priority and receive professional person-centered care. We strive to ensure that all of their needs are being met – physically, mentally and emotionally, and we encourage them to participate in all the opportunities at our dementia assisted living residence in Shawnee, keeping them healthy and happy.
We are here to answer your questions and discuss how we can best serve you or your family member. If you would like to schedule a tour of our outstanding dementia assisted living facility that serves the Kansas City metropolitan area, click HERE.
Clover Care Home
913-991-2605