I have seen the amazing effects of music many times throughout the years. We are fortunate to have live piano music by my son Adam, at Abiding Joy Senior Care Home. For variety we also listen to songs from the decades that our residents remember best. When music plays we see people perk up at the familiar tunes. At other times music can help agitated residents calm down.
The power of music is discussed in this YouTube video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rnUSNbqtVJI. Very interesting video shows seniors coming to life when listening to music. The video shows what I have noticed over and over during my years in senior care.
For awhile we had two residents who had each sung in their church choirs. It was amazing to watch them come to life during afternoon sing alongs. Adam pulled out his hymnal and rotated between playing their song requests on the piano and singing along with them. Even those of us who have never been known for our singing ability joined along.
My first step when a resident behaves anxiously is to turn on calming music. The effect is amazing. I love using music instead of drugs since their are no side effects to deal with afterwards.
Now you know why we play so much music at Abiding Joy Senior Care Home. Join my blog or newsletter and learn more of our secrets for encouraging joyful moods in seniors.
Do you have experience with music's effect on revitalizing or calming down a senior loved one?