Music-Thanology in End of Life Care

Harmonious Healing: Benefits of Music Therapy for SeniorsFebruary 6, 2024 | Tiffany Wyndham Hunt, MA, MT-BC, Music Therapist Board CertifiedAs we age, our bodies undergo numerous changes, and maintaining a good quality of life can become a challenge. In this pursuit of well-being, music therapy for seniors has emerged as a powerful and uplifting tool. Beyond being a source of joy and entertainment, music therapy has proven to offer physical, emotional and cognitive benefits for supporting quality of life.Music Therapy ExplainedWhat is music therapy anyway? According to the American Music Therapy Association, its the use of music interventions to accomplish individualized goals within a therapeutic relationship. Music therapy is administered by a credentialed professional who has completed an approved music therapy program.Enhancing Cognitive FunctionMusic has a unique ability to stimulate multiple regions of the brain simultaneously. For seniors, especially those dealing with cognitive decline or dementia, participating in music therapy can help activate neural pathways and improve their cognitive function. The rhythm, melody, harmonic progression, instrumentation, style of music, and so many other aspects can support reminiscence and memories, communication, alertness, engagement and cognitive response.Breakthrough BehaviorsBarbara, a CC Young memory support resident, appeared tired and, when asked by our music therapist how she was doing, she commonly answered that she was hanging in there. During one music therapy session, Barbara was given a small tambourine and naturally began to play it. Barbara gradually became more engaged, including the time when Take Me Home, Country Roads was playing, and she commented, Virginia is far away. This was an exciting breakthrough during the session, as Barbara had been reluctant to participate.Emotional Well-BeingMusic has a powerful and scientifically based ability to evoke emotions and memories. Due to changing living circumstances that often accompany aging, seniors may face challenges such as loneliness, depression or anxiety. Music therapy offers an emotional outlet, comfort, relaxation and a sense of connection. Listening to or singing familiar tunes or participating in music-making activities lifts spirits, reduces stress and creates a positive emotional environment. Music is innate in our culture, and it is therefore a source of grounding. So when music is intentionally employed by a music therapist, it can produce noticeable comfort, enjoyment and camaraderie.At the beginning of one particular group music therapy session, CC Young resident Rose was dozing in her chair. When approached by our music therapist who was playing the song New York, New York, Rose awoke with a big smile, began singing along and played a hand drum while moving to the beat of the music. She perked up, sharing with the group memories of her times visiting New York City and how much she loved shopping there.Physical RehabilitationMusic therapy programs for seniors dealing with physical ailments or limitations can also be integrated into rehabilitation plans of care. The rhythmic patterns and coordinated movements associated with music aid in improving motor skills, coordination and overall physical well-being. Whether through dance, rhythmic exercises or playing instruments, seniors experience benefits in movement that promote physical and mental health, often aiding their rehab and road to recovery.Social ConnectionMusic brings people together and finds common ground regardless of race, language and socio-economic factors. Music therapy does the same thing. Through group activities or one-on-one sessions, it creates a sense of community and social connection. Group singing, drum circles or interactive musical games provide opportunities for social interaction, which reduces feelings of isolation and loneliness. Music therapy creates a sense of belonging and emotional support.Habla EspaolAt CC Young, occasionally, we will care for a resident for whom English is a second language. When Julio came to CC Young for rehab services, he was encouraged to participate in music therapy as part of his care plan. He was delighted to know the music therapist spoke Spanish and had fun joining the therapist in singing Spanish hymns.Improved Sleep QualitySleep disorders are common among seniors, and they can affect physical and mental health. According to UC Davis Health, music at around 60 beats per minute, which is the same as a relaxed heart, can slow your heart rate, reduce blood pressure and promote better sleep patterns, contributing to overall improvement in quality of sleep. Likewise, listening to calming music before bedtime or incorporating music into relaxation routines can promote better sleep patterns and contribute to an overall improvement in sleep quality.In the symphony of life, music therapy stands out as a harmonious healer on multiple levels for older adults. Music therapys ability to address physical, emotional and cognitive well-being makes it a valuable and accessible tool for seniors. As we continue to explore the therapeutic potential of music, it becomes increasingly clear that the melody of life can be enriched, and the challenges of aging can be met with the uplifting power of music therapy.Want to learn more about music therapy for seniors? Contact us and get in touch with a CC Young senior living expert today.

To Learn more about Western Slope Memory Care,CLICK HERE.We know that brain health and heart health are closely connected. Whats good for the heart is good for the brain. One way to reduce anxiety and care for your heart during American Heart Month is to turn on your favorite tunes! According to a seven-year study from University of Belgrade School of Medicine in Serbia, musicparticularly music you find soothingmay help reduce anxiety, blood pressure, and stress. The study followed 350 patients following a heart attack. The patients were all experiencing a type of post-heart attack chest pain called post-infarction angina. This chest pain can cause stress, and stress exacerbates any existing cardiovascular conditions. Half the patients got standard care following their heart attack, and the other half got music therapy in addition to standard care.Music therapy makes for easy medicine. Its simple to implement and practically free. Patients were asked to listen to a selection of soothing music while seated with their eyes closed for 30 minutes a day. After following these patients for seven years, researchers found that the music therapy patients had reduced symptoms of stress, angina, anxiety, and subsequent heart attacks. The music therapy patients had reduced anxiety symptoms by one third. So, this American Heart Month, try healing your heart with the magic of music!Western Slope Memory Care is proud of how we intergrate music into our Moments Program. Learn more about how our expert staff offers research-based opportunities for sensory stimulation focusing on sight, smell, temperature, touch, and hearing, to create more meaningful communication with our residents

More than55 million people worldwide are living with dementia, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), making it the seventh leading cause of death and a major contributor to disability. It can be devastating for a loved one to receive a dementia diagnosis due to the psychological, physical, economic, and social impacts of this disease.How is your family managing the new lifestyle with a loved one who is experiencing cognitive decline? As the person loses their ability to process thought, this condition starts to affect orientation, thinking, memory, comprehension, language, learning capacity, and judgment. As a result, someone living with dementia often experiences problems with emotional control, mood, motivation, and behavior.Even though there is no cure for cognitive decline, the good news is that doctors are finding ways to slow the progression of this disease. Specific life enrichment activities for assisted living are helpful to stimulate cognition and help a person maintain the best quality of life despite their diagnosis.Life Enrichment Activities and Lifestyle Factors to Slow Cognitive DeclineA persons environment and daily routines play an essential role in minimizing the impact of cognitive decline. Those living with dementia need progressive care: minimal care is required in the beginning, but ongoing support is necessary as the disease progresses.Families can see why wellness programs are important through all stages of the disease: from diagnosis through transitions and changes in lifestyle and living conditions. However, it can be frightening for both those living with dementia and their family members and an emotionally charged situation as you navigate tough decisions relating to the persons care and wellbeing.The good news is that families dont need to come up with assisted living life enrichment activities on their own. Instead, a better idea is to explore local wellness programs for seniors with integrated cognitive programs. Life Enrichment Activities for those living with dementia can be engaging and uplifting. We strive to find the right activity for each individual in our care.Holistic Approach: Wellness Programs for SeniorsDementia care is available in the home, although many families eventually choose an assisted living community, so those living with dementia receive optimal support in their time of need. Caregivers find it challenging to balance wellness programs and work-life balance, which is why its crucial to find a provider to help with assisted living daily life enrichment programs for loved ones.A holistic approach utilizes multiple tools to help those living with dementia with early, mid-stage, or advanced dementia. For example, these tools are helpful when those living with dementia exhibits sundowning syndrome symptoms. Looking for a Sundowning Syndrome Definition? Sundowning in those living with dementia is known as late-day confusion that extends into the night. Look up the sundowning medical definition to see how those living with dementia experience increased frustration, confusion, and agitation during this time of day.When we seesundowning symptoms in dementia, or other worsening signs of cognitive decline, these are some of the tools and assisted living daily enrichment activities that can be used for support and cognitive stimulation:Music Therapy in ElderlyThere are many uses of music for cognitive support, including music therapy for concentration and cognitive stimulation. In fact, some holistic providers suggest music therapy for health and wellness and specific conditions including music therapy for hypertension. Music can improve the quality of life for people with dementia by reducing anxiety and aggression, especially when they participate by singing along with the music.What Aromatherapy Is Best for Cognitive DeclineWhen those living with dementia are experiencing intense moments with agitation, aggression, and other psychotic symptoms, aromatherapy can be a powerful tool for calming and soothing. Aromatherapy for cognitive decline is a complementary treatment to use with other lifestyle adjustments. Lavender, jasmine, chamomile, and bergamot are all calming and citrus scents like grapefruit, lemon and lime are invigorating and mentally stimulating.The Role Environmental Factors Play In Sundowning Syndrome SymptomsWhen someone living with dementia gets upset, their environment plays a vital role in minimizing symptoms of agitation and frustration. For example, if the person is prone to sundowning syndrome symptoms, then make sure to create a quiet, peaceful environment during the early evening hours: reading, a slow walk around the neighborhood, soothing music in the background, and the persons favorite activity or snack.Full-Service Support for Those Living with Dementia and Cognitive DeclineCadence Connections is a specialized program for those living with dementia, providing full-service solutions to support their physical, mental, and emotional health. Even mild cognitive impairment(MCI) can disrupt a persons lifestyle and take a toll on the family. As cognitive decline continues, its essential to have access to ongoing support from a dedicated memory care team.This personalized treatment program includes options for assisted living and independent living with a variety of assisted living daily enrichment activities designed specifically for memory care needs. Call usat your convenience to schedule a tour of our Cadence Living Communities.