The importance of music therapy in care settings
As a music therapist in an MHA care home, it’s a privilege to work with residents and staff to support their wellbeing. The focus of a music therapy session is to support residents who are living with dementia or individuals who have been identified as having a specific need for additional therapeutic support.
I believe music is a unique language that holds different, personal meanings for everybody and enables people to express themselves in an individual way. Music therapy can also support a resident’s cognitive abilities, helping them to remain active and engaged, and supporting them in the lessening of some of their more upsetting dementia-related symptoms.
A music therapy session can include, playing and listening to songs that may be connected to a particular memory in a resident’s life, as well as creating music on the spot together or simply talking. A key part of my work is collaborating with staff; creating new approaches which help to increase positive interactions with residents through the use of music or other sensory stimuli.
During group sessions at MHA care homes with residents, family, and friends, the activities coordinators and care staff come together to sing and play familiar music that supports interaction, engagement, and communication.
If I could describe music therapy in three words they would be: engagement, communication, and individuality.
Music has the power to evoke many different emotions and memories: the songs we used to dance to, and the ones we might still be dancing to; the bands that we followed; music that inspired us; music that helped us through celebrations as well as sad times; and music that moves us and gives us meaning.
MHA's Music Strategy sets out commitments on how music enables residents and members to live later life well, as well as how music plays an important role for family members, colleagues, and engagement with the wider community.
