Joyful Memories®

How Music Therapy Helps Seniors with Dementia.

Joyful Memories®: How Music Therapy Helps Seniors with Dementia

Joyful Memories Program in San Antonio

With dementia rates around the world on the rise, research efforts are yielding breakthroughs that provide new insights into dementia care every day. ComForCare is a leader in home care services for people with dementia. Whether we’re providing care for clients Alzheimer’s Disease, Lewy Body Disease, Vascular Dementia, Frontotemporal Dementia, Alcoholic Dementia, Mild Cognitive Impairment, or a more rarely diagnosed dementia, our team stay’s up-to-date on dementia care best practices with our DementiaWise Home Care Services.

Joyful Memories was created when ComForCare’s National Director of Music and Special Program, Steve Toll, was inspired to research and develop a music therapy tool for seniors who have been diagnosed with dementia.

The Joyful Memories program helps to strengthen cognitive functions and embraces the therapeutic benefits of music. We focus our attentions on age-related conditions and diseases which affect cognitive and physical abilities, with special attention given to our clients with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. This special program uses tools to help clients remain calm, engage socially, and functioning at their best. There are two parts of the program:— Memories Group — seniors and their loved ones can gather together to sing and dance.— One-on-One — our team builds a customized playlist based on life experiences and memories. This can help strengthen the bond between the senior and their caregiver.

In the video below, Steve and other members of the ComForCare team talk about how music therapy can help individuals with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.

Joyful Memories Events

ComForCare Home Care – San Antonio has partnered with a local rehabilitation center to bring the Joyful Memories Group to their patients. In December, seniors were able to enjoy a Christmas and Elvis Presley show.

ComForCare Home Care is a premier provider of home care services for seniors in San Antonio, TX and surrounding areas. For more information about the Joyful Memories program or ComForCare home care services, give us a call at (210) 637-9055.

Whether your loved one needs assistance only a few hours a week or around-the-clock, our team is happy to help! Call (210) 637-9283 to learn more about the transition care services offered through ComForCare Home Care (San Antonio, TX).

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!

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

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