You know how some things have the power to enhance our lives and we don’t even realize it? For example; sunlight, colors, smells, and, of course, music. Although we may not always understand why, studies have shown that all of these things can positively affect our well-being just by existing in our environment. I like to think of a music therapist as someone who can manipulate the power that music has on others. We all know that playing music in the car can make any road trip bearable, but what about when music can help someone living with Alzheimer’s Disease take a bath with decreased feelings of fear and paranoia? Here are a few examples of how music can help in stressful situations:
- Music can facilitate positive redirection from threatening/painful stimulus. This is applicable during dressing changes, toileting, bathing, meal time, medical procedures, repositioning, etc. Introducing familiar and comforting music to unfamiliar situations can help redirect the client from their current state of fear/anxiety. Once the client is redirected they become more relaxed which, in turn, can have a positive effect on the caregiver.
- Music can create a comforting environment. Familiar music has the ability to bring feelings of peace and normalcy to uncomfortable environments such as hospital rooms, nursing homes and funeral homes. The presence of familiar music associated with positive memories and emotions can directly impact the well-being of clients and their family members as they cope with change and loss.
While I, of course, encourage that a board-certified music therapist be the one effectively designing and implementing music therapy techniques, I want to empower caregivers to utilize familiar music at times when the music therapist is not present, for example, when their loved one is experiencing “Sundowners Syndrome” in the evening. If you are a caregiver interested in learning more about music therapy or how to effectively use music for healing in your home, please contact us!