Music therapy provides a holistic treatment approach to address the needs of older

adults with various physical and cognitive conditions. Music therapy as a treatment is often

used when other methods are less successful, due to the nature of the interventions. When

treating for palliative, hospice, or memory care in older adults, music therapy comforts and

provides opportunities of engagement within the client's self and family members.

Music Therapy for Seniors:

Where does it take place?

Older adults receiving music therapy services often have a referral from a facility or

healthcare provider. In residential facilities, music therapy can be facilitated in a group

setting for those who are appropriate to participate in services. Music therapy is utilized to

enhance the client's daily living through improving functioning areas or relieving pain and

symptoms.

The goal areas are determined through an assessment that allows the music therapist to

create a treatment plan of target goals and objectives. For older adults, the majority of music

interventions are centered around improving overall quality of life.

Examples:

Songwriting activity with a patient to create a legacy project.
Bedside music therapy to promote relaxation and comfort for families in hospice care facility.
Utilizing instrument play to exercise joints in arthritis patient.
Singing familiar songs to encourage reminiscing in a memory care patient.

Music therapy is beneficial to older populations for a variety of reasons. Not only does

music therapy work to improve the life and comfort of clients in palliative and hospice care,

music therapy is provided for the family member's benefit as well. Inclusive sessions can

promote connections and positive memories between the client and their family.