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Joyful Memories®

How Music Therapy Helps Seniors with Dementia.

Joyful Memories®: How Music Therapy Helps Seniors with Dementia

Science Proves the Effectiveness of Music

Joyful Memories - Fairfield, CT | ComForCare - older_caucasian_women_singing Music is primal to life and expressed by each of us every day whether through dancing to a favorite tune, keeping rhythm with a pencil or remembering a special time when hearing a forgotten melody. It is central to our lives and is embedded in our culture defining how we acknowledge milestones, rites of passage and celebrations as well as providing comfort, transformation and inspiration. Music links us to our world and provides a pathway back to our past. A number of research studies have looked at the therapeutic use of music as an important adjunct to medical treatment and have found the following:

Music promotes trust and safety
Music promotes healing
Music alleviates pain
Music helps manage stress and anxiety
Music helps relieve some symptoms of Neurological Impairments
Music promotes socialization
Music helps us communicate

Regarding music and dementia, according to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, music has power – especially for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. And it can spark compelling outcomes even in the very late stages of the disease. When used appropriately, music can shift mood, manage stress-induced agitation, stimulate positive interactions, facilitate cognitive function, and coordinate motor movements. A person’s ability to engage in music, particularly rhythm playing and singing, remains intact late into the disease process because, again, these activities do not mandate cognitive functioning for success.

ComForCare Home Care provides more than highly qualified caregivers. Our home care services go above and beyond the usual with our Joyful Memories® program. Joyful Memories One-on-One is an interactive program our caregivers use to engage with clients, especially those who have become withdrawn. Our Joyful Memories program uses familiar songs as reminiscence tools to help bring joy and allow for better days for those with dementia.

Other resources:

Tune in at 1pm EST every weekday for live music (hits from the 30s to 60s) on our Facebook page www.facebook.com/comforcarefairfield.

Access Joyful Memories playlists on SoundCloud

If you are a rehabilitation center, assisted living facility, adult day center, or senior center, contact the ComForCare office at (203) 612-8966 to request a FREE live music program that your residents can enjoy.

Whether your loved one needs assistance only a few hours a week or around-the-clock, our team is happy to help! Call (203) 612-8966 to learn more about the transition care services offered through ComForCare Home Care (Fairfield, CT).

How Does Music Therapy Help People with Dementia?

When we listen to music, many different areas of the brain light up, including those responsible for memory, emotion, and movement. Music therapy is simply a meaningful and positive way to engage all of these brain regions, helping to stimulate cognitive function, improve mood, and even alleviate pain.

1. Facilitates Cognitive Function

One 2019 study found that music therapy effectively improves memory, alleviates confusion, and facilitates speech in individuals with Alzheimer's disease.

2. Relieves Pain & Promotes Healing

For many years, researchers have been fascinated by the pain-relieving effects of music. Though we are still determining the exact ways music accomplishes this analgesic effect, we know that it is real.

3. Helps Manage Anxiety & Stress

Mental health is a common challenge for people living with any form of dementia. Thankfully, music therapy can also reduce agitation and anxiety.

4. Boosts Socialization & Communication

A study published in The Gerontologist found that music therapy improves social interaction and communication in individuals with dementia.

What Type of Music is Best for Dementia?

Music therapy can be enjoyed in a variety of ways, including listening to old favorites through headphones, singing, playing instruments, and even improvising. The best music simply depends on your loved one’s preferences, tastes, and cultural background. Music that reminds them of their youth or cultural heritage may be particularly effective in stirring memories and emotions.

If you are caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's disease, consider incorporating music therapy into their care plan. Here are some tips:

Choose familiar music: The old songs really are the best when it comes to dementia care. Choosing songs your loved one knew and enjoyed between the ages of 7 and 25 may be ideal.
Create a relaxing environment: Create a comfortable and relaxing environment for music therapy to reduce anxiety and agitation. Focus on lighting the room well, reducing background noise, and arranging comfortable seating.
Encourage participation: Encourage your loved one to participate in music therapy by singing along or playing instruments—even if that just means tapping out the beat with your toes!
Use music throughout the day: Find ways to incorporate music into the daily routine. You might play calming music during meals or use upbeat music during exercise.

Joyful Memories®: In-Home Dementia Care with Meaning

ComForCare’s Joyful Memories program was designed to create connections with older adults. Our team’s understanding of the power of music inspired us to create this program, embracing the therapeutic benefits of music for people living with dementia. Using evidence-based methods, our caregivers can facilitate one-on-one, personalized music therapy programs in the comfort of your loved one’s own home.

If you’re interested in learning more about the Joyful Memories program and how in-home dementia care can benefit your family, reach out to ComForCare today!

ComForCare: Next-Generation Dementia Care in the Comfort of Home

With over 200 locations in North America, ComForCare is dedicated to the health and well-being of people with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. 95% of our offices are DementiaWise® certified, meaning our caregivers have undergone comprehensive training to support improved quality of life for people with dementia. Find your nearest ComForCare location to learn more!

Better Care Starts Here

Read how we are helping older adults live their best lives possible. Here is what clients say about their experience with our agency.

"March 11, 2025 by F.F."

"Neil is so attentive - always ready to help."

"February 4, 2025 by P.L."

"Excellent care!"

"July 23, 2024 by P.L."

"Great efficiency, concern and caring for patients!"