Awakening Memories Through Music

Have you ever been in the car, and a song comes on the radio that takes you back to a memory? It might bring a smile, joy or even tears to your face. 

Our in-home care providers at Qualicare Tri-Cities want you to know the powerful role music can play in the lives of older adults, especially if they have dementia. 

The Emotional Side of Music

Music is ageless. No matter how old we are, music is something that can be enjoyed during all stages of our life.

However, music can also be so much more than that for people who suffer from dementia. In these cases, music cannot only help to promote memory, but it can also help older adults with dementia feel more like themselves again.

Through music therapy, older adults are able to use music to express themselves, including feelings they are having that might not be able to communicated otherwise. Even if the effects of dementia have left your loved one feeling like a shadow of his or herself, music can still spark something positive.

There are also other benefits of music therapy in older adults, such as:

• The ability to manage pain or discomfort without medicine 
• Better emotional states
• Improved social skills
• Better memory recall
• Positive mood changes
• Enhanced sense of control over life

Overall, music therapy is able to improve life in a number of ways for older adults and helps them to maintain their levels of mental, physical and social health. 

Plus, it can even help to improve your loved one’s quality of life. What might have once been days filled with sadness can now be days filled with music and laughter! 

When is the last time you and your loved one sat and listened to music together? Be sure to add that to your to-do list sooner rather than later!

Are you looking for assistance in caring for a loved one? Contact our in-home care providers at Qualicare Tri-Cities to learn how we can help!