Capture Music Therapy’s Many Benefits for Senior Home Health

Ask anyone you know what their favorite song is and you are sure to be in for a long-winded answer as they struggle to narrow it down to just one. From the songs you sang as a kid to that annoying radio hit you can’t get of your head, music has, and will continue to be, a constant part of all our lives. For thousands of years, music has played an integral role in human existence; however, it hasn’t been until recently that we’ve begun to understand its healing characteristics.

According to the American Music Therapy Association, “Music therapy is the clinical and evidence-based use of music interventions to accomplish individualized goals within a therapeutic relationship by a credentialed professional who has completed an approved music therapy program.” In simpler terms, it’s the process of using music to improve an individual socially, cognitively, physically, emotionally, or developmentally. Some of the benefits of music therapy for those receiving in-home supportive services include:

• Increasing relaxation
• Reducing loneliness
• Providing emotional release
• Enhancing spiritual connections

Listening to music can also provide a boost for an individual’s heart health. According to one study, 12 minutes of Mozart three times a week can help reduce high blood pressure!

For personal care attendants, listening to music with a senior home care client is an excellent way to spend time together while improving in-home health. If you’ve never tried it before, consider making music a part of your home health care routine by:

• Having your client request songs to be played during other activities
• Playing music they would have listened to as a young adult
• Encouraging them to learn a new instrument or playing your own instrument for them
• Taking them to a musical performance

 We here at Best Home Care are huge music lovers! Along with its home health benefits, music can add life to any workplace (or home healthcare agency). Contact Best Home Care to learn more about music therapy and how to make it a part of your at-home care routine.