The Power of Music

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HomeWell Care Services

For more information about the author, click to view their website: Homewell

Posted on

Jul 21, 2023

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Florida - Sarasota, Bradenton & Charlotte Counties , Florida - Southwest

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Since the earliest days of my childhood, music, and the power of music, has been evident to me. No matter your age, ability, or interest, music has a way of sparking sensational feelings and memories within us. As we start to age, the benefits of music continues to have a significant impact on our cognitive and speech skills. It is the single most powerful force due to the release of potent chemicals in the brain such as dopamine.

Many have found that the use of music as a form of therapy is one way to improve cognition but also to reach those who are already cognitively impaired. The Older Americans Act defined music therapy as “the use of musical or rhythmic interventions specifically selected by a music therapist to accomplish the restoration, maintenance, or improvement of social or emotional functioning, mental processing, or physical health of an older individual.”  Let’s take a deeper look into how music therapy can help seniors improve their everyday life.

  • Cognitive skills: Music can help seniors process their thoughts and maintain memories. Many people associate music with past events, and just hearing a song can evoke a memory even many years after an event. For older adults suffering from Dementia, music from their childhood or young adult years has proven to be effective in obtaining a positive response and involvement, even when they can no longer communicate.
  • Speech skills: Music therapy has been proven to help older adults answer questions, make decisions, and speak clearer. It can help slow the deterioration of speech and language skills in dementia patients; studies have shown that even when an Alzheimer’s patient loses the ability to speak, they can still recognize and even hum or sing their favorite song.
  • Stress Reduction: Some caregivers have difficulty managing their aging loved one’s stress and agitation. Playing music they enjoy can help relax and ease the aggressive behaviors. Slow songs like lullabies can help prepare your loved one for bed or deal with changes to their routines that may cause agitation.
  • Physical Skills: Music can inspire movement in seniors. With music comes dancing, after all. Music and dancing promote coordination and can help with walking and endurance. Even if your loved one is not mobile, music can inspire toe tapping and clapping, thus getting the blood flowing once again.
  • Social Skills: Increased social interaction with caregivers and others is another benefit music can offer seniors. It encourages bonding with others, which in turn can help alleviate feelings of loneliness and depression.

If you are not using music in your everyday routines, try slowly introducing it into your daily routines. Soon you will notice increased alertness, improved speech, and increased social skills. All of these in conjunction will soon lead to an increased physical activity. That is the power of music. I want to share with you that one of my favorite songs is Good Life by OneRepublic. This song instantly makes me want to dance, which in turn, puts me in a happy mood. Do you have a song that always sparks a memory or sensational feeling?

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Home Health 13100 Westlinks Terrace, Fort Myers, Florida, 33913

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Non-Medical 13100 Westlinks Terrace, Fort Myers, Florida, 33913

Our Approach:HomeWell Care Services is committed to providing the highest quality of in-home care and peace of mind for families in Lee and Northern Collier Counties. We offer personalized care plans tailored to each individual's needs.Our Services:We offer a range of services to meet your needs, including companion care, personal care, specialty care, and more. Our signature programs, such as GoHomeWell and SureStep, are designed to safeguard and strengthen your well-being for the long term.Types of Care:Companion Care: Providing companionship and a quality home life environment.Personal Care: Assisting with basic tasks of daily living to maintain independence.Specialty Care: Additional support for advanced health issues.Hospice Care Support: Providing comfort and care for those with terminal illnesses.Palliative Care Support: Enhancing quality of life for individuals with serious illnesses.Fall Prevention: Implementing strategies to reduce the risk of falls.Low Vision: Supporting individuals with vision impairments.Respite Care: Providing temporary relief for primary caregivers.Alzheimers & Dementia Care: Specialized care for those with memory loss.Chronic Conditions Care: Managing care for individuals with ongoing health issues.Transportation: Assisting with transportation to appointments and errands.Transitional Care: Supporting individuals transitioning from hospital to home.Couples Care: Providing care for couples who wish to remain together.Elderly Support: Addressing the unique needs of elderly individuals.Adults under 65: Providing care for adults under 65 with specific needs.Facility Support: Supporting care facilities with staffing and care management.Frequency of Care:Hourly: Care provided on an hourly basis as needed.24-Hour: Around-the-clock care for those who require constant support.Live-in: Caregivers live with clients to provide continuous care.HomeWell Cares:Our commitment to compassionate care extends beyond our services. We actively engage with our community through our Front Porch Blog, providing valuable resources and information.Meet the Team:Our team of dedicated professionals is here to support you every step of the way. From our expert Care Managers to our compassionate caregivers, we are committed to your well-being.Jobs:Interested in joining our team? Explore career opportunities with HomeWell Care Services and make a difference in the lives of others.Partnerships:We collaborate with local organizations and healthcare providers to ensure our clients receive comprehensive care and support.Resources:Access helpful resources, including guides on how to talk to your aging loved one about home care and determining if home care is right for your family.Contact Us:For more information about our services or to schedule a consultation, please contact us at 239-666-2339.