At Mississauga Home Care Assistance, we understand working through the changes that often accompany dementia-related memory loss can be a tough adjustment for you and your loved one. Music therapy for elderly people with dementia can address some of these challenges by helping to stimulate memories, reduce anxiety, and improve mood.
Benefits of Music Therapy
The memory loss associated with dementia can be overwhelming for your loved one, however, music can be a powerful means of easing some of dementia’s negative effects. Listening to music triggers activity throughout the brain, activating areas used for speech, memory, and movement. It also stimulates the release of dopamine, the crucial neurotransmitter that sends pleasure signals from the brain to the rest of the body.
Studies have shown that music therapy can improve both physical and mental wellbeing in seniors with dementia. Facilities that specialize in dementia care frequently incorporate music in activities because it not only motivates the seniors to participate, it also reduces agitation, promotes recall, and creates positive changes in mood and emotional states.
Music Therapy at Home
For family or dementia caregivers in Mississauga, playing music for a loved one can have the same positive effects. Use these tips to create personalized music therapy for your elderly relative:
- Select music that has strong positive associations for your loved one, such as favorite songs or hymns.
- Set a calm and positive tone, encouraging your loved one to listen without demanding his or her attention.
- Make sure your loved one can actually hear the music; a headset isn’t necessary, but is a great option.
For more information about caring for an elderly loved one with dementia, reach out to Home Care Assistance at (905) 337-1200. In addition to in-home dementia care services, we are a leading provider of Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s care in Mississauga, offering tailored, live-in home care for your loved one. Receive a free, no-obligation in-home consultation today to learn more about providing home care for your senior loved one.