Posts Tagged ‘older adults’
When Seniors Say "That's Just Kids' Stuff"
Tools of the Trade: Ocean Drum
I am always looking for musical materials and methods that will capture the attention of my older adult clients with moderate to late stage dementia. Because of where they are in the disease process, these folks often have a harder time engaging in singing, sharing in discussion, and instrument playing. Some clients also have more…
Read MoreSong Spotlight: “Don’t Fence Me In”
Mood: Relaxed Themes: Country life, Cowboys, Restrictions, Being “Fenced In” Tempo: Moderate Genre/style: Western/Cowboy Being in the Midwest, I run into a lot of folks who love country and western music. “Don’t Fence Me In” is one of my very favorite songs to offer when western music is requested, for two reasons: It’s popular, so a lot of people can…
Read MoreDementia takes a person out of time. Music can bring them back.
Song Spotlight: “How Much is that Doggie in the Window?”
Mood: Silly Themes: Pets, Relationships Tempo: Relaxed Genre/style: 1950s novelty song One of the joys of home care is meeting all the beloved pets that live with and are loved by my older adult clients. There are many sweet dogs around, and they are sure to draw attention from even some of the most quiet…
Read MoreThe Thing About Music Preferences…
One of the cardinal “rules” of music therapy – with some of the strongest research support – is that people benefit most from the music they prefer. This makes sense – if a client loves country music, a music therapist might try to find songs by Patsy Cline for discussion or use a country-style accompaniment pattern…
Read MoreHelp Seniors Write a Song for Labor Day
Song Spotlight: "What a Wonderful World"
Mood: Relaxed, Romantic Themes: Love/Romance, School, Lack of Academic Knowledge Tempo: Relaxed walking speed Genre/style: 1950s soul Among my favorite songs to celebrate school is Sam Cooke’s song “(What A) Wonderful World.” It starts with these words: Don’t know much about history Don’t know much biology Don’t know much about a science book Don’t know much about…
Read MoreSong Spotlight: “Swingin’ in a Hammock”
Mood: Relaxed Themes: Relaxation, Romance, Vacation, Leisure Tempo: Slow rocking feel to moderate Genre/style: 1930s popular Okay, I know that summer is pretty much over for school-aged kids, but it’s still pretty warm here in Kansas City, and summer won’t officially end for over a month. That means I feel justified sharing a song that I…
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