Engagement and self-expression are vital for seniors with neurological disorders. However, many seniors with Alzheimer’s find it challenging to stay actively engaged, especially as the disease progresses. Music therapy is an excellent way to enhance your aging loved one’s mood and boost his or her memory. Here are some of the benefits of music therapy for seniors with Alzheimer’s disease.
Leads to Socialization
Isolation is common among seniors with Alzheimer’s, and as their memory and cognitive skills decrease, they may refuse to go places due to embarrassment and fear. However, music is one of the best ways to boost socialization skills while reducing anxiety. Your loved one can listen to music with other family members after dinner as you encourage movement or sing-alongs in the comfort of his or her home. Singing stimulates unique memories, so this activity could boost your loved one’s confidence and make him or her less reluctant to engage with others.
Reduces Agitation
Aging adults may pace back and forth or suddenly become upset due to the impact Alzheimer’s is having on their emotional and mental health. If your loved one becomes agitated and restless, use music therapy as a calming technique. Merely hearing the music could relieve stress and create a calm environment for your parent. The sound of the tunes will relax the nervous system and provide your loved one with a sense of security.
Caring for a senior loved one can be challenging for families who don’t have expertise or professional training in home care, but this challenge doesn’t have to be faced alone. Family caregivers can turn to Align Home Care for the help they need. We provide high-quality live-in and respite care as well as comprehensive Alzheimer’s, dementia, stroke, and Parkinson’s care.
Boosts Cognitive Abilities
As Alzheimer’s progresses, the disease causes a noticeable reduction in memory, thinking, and cognitive skills. For example, your loved one may have difficulty remembering recently scheduled appointments, conversations, and familiar people or places. The ability to make sound decisions can also decrease, putting your loved one’s safety at risk. Music therapy awakens and strengthens many cognitive skills. For instance, playing an instrument could enhance executive functions that have decreased significantly and give your parent more confidence.
If your senior loved one has been diagnosed with a serious condition and needs help with tasks like meal prep, transportation, bathing, and grooming, reach out to Align Home Care, a leading provider of at-home care families can trust. We also offer comprehensive care for seniors with dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s.
Helps with the Expression of Emotions
Older adults with Alzheimer’s can lose their self-esteem as the disease progresses, leading to feelings of guilt, shame, and fear. Find ways to encourage your loved one’s self-expression, such as music therapy. Listening to music, singing, or playing an instrument could alleviate anxiety and provide a positive distraction. While your loved one focuses on the music, his or her creative instincts could take over, keeping him or her active and providing a healthy way to express emotions.
Triggers Happy Memories
Musical memories are often preserved even as Alzheimer’s progresses. Therefore, you should use your loved one’s favorite music as a way to trigger happy memories, especially if he or she is having an aggressive episode. Your parent may remember the words to a beloved song without assistance or connect the music to a cherished event from the past. Pay close attention to how your loved one responds to specific songs and musical activities and make note of the ones he or she enjoys most.
For reliable Alzheimer’s care, Portland families can turn to Align Home Care. We are a leading provider of professional memory care designed to help seniors maintain a higher quality of life. In addition to Alzheimer’s care, we also provide comprehensive dementia, Parkinson’s, and stroke care. From revolutionary care programs to compassionate and dedicated caregivers, we can meet all of your Alzheimer’s care needs. Call one of our friendly Care Managers at (207) 835-3490 to schedule a free consultation.