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Senior Living Explained
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Do you ever catch yourself humming or singing along to a song when music isn’t even playing? The power of music is so extraordinary, it gets “stuck” in our heads and can even help us recall memories. In fact, even seniors with Alzheimer’s and dementia can recall songs and lyrics from their past. There are many documented stories of patients who could not recall the names of family members, but who could play an entire song on the piano or sing the words to a favorite tune.
That makes music a powerful factor in working to improve everyday life for dementia patients. Music therapy is increasingly used as a form of treatment and recreation for memory care residents, including here at Magnolia Manor.
Recognizing the power and potential of music in Alzheimer’s patients, music therapy has been introduced as a form of treatment for Alzheimer’s and dementia residents across the country -- and particularly for southern Georgia patients here at Magnolia Manor.
There’s music in the air
Among our nine communities throughout southern Georgia, we offer memory care at Columbus and also at our well-known Mattie H. Marshall Center in Americus. Every detail of these facilities is specifically designed to provide care and support and enhance the lives of our residents who are grappling with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. For example, the layout of hallways and interior colors reduce the effects of sun-downing syndrome, a tendency for dementia patients to become more agitated toward the end of the day.
But residents especially love their music therapy activities, which we call “Music in the Air.” The music sounds and feels calming, helping to reduce anxiety and depression.
Research shows that music is stored in your long-term memory between the ages of 18 to 25, where music commonly has the largest impact on your life. Serotonin and dopamine -- “feel good” hormones -- are released when residents hear music from this critical period in their lives.
So, for our program we determined the average of our memory care residents and selected tunes that were popular when they were in the 18-25 age group -- about a decade between 1940s and 1950s. Interestingly, music too far outside of this range could actually cause irritation and discomfort for residents, so choosing the right music takes care.
Music therapy has had a profound impact
“Music in the Air” has proven to be both beneficial and popular. Residents are more social, they smile, you’ll see some of them tapping their foot, and sometimes they’ll even sit together. While they may not really socialize with each other in traditional ways, they come together.
A recent study revealed that sharing the right “oldies” music can also build an “emotional bridge” between Alzheimer’s patients and their caregivers. This re-established a vital sense of connection between those who can no longer communicate verbally and their friends and family. The study noted that the shared music experience reduces anxiety and depression among caregivers as well as patients.
A special environment for residents
A multisensory approach that includes music has also been known to positively impact Alzheimer’s and memory patients. Snoezelen® therapy was created in the Netherlands during the 1970s. It combines light, sound, scents, and music to relax patients and promote good health.
Our Snoezelen room is a beautifully relaxing oasis! Colored lights and bubbles stimulate visual sensations. Aroma therapies and nature sounds provide a soothing background. To encourage residents who may be restless and wandering, we’ll activate lights and sounds in the Snoezelen room. In the midst of their wandering, the residents are drawn to the room. The effect is extremely powerful and positive for residents. It’s incredible how music, combined with other sensory experiences, can elevate well-being and contentment among our memory care residents.
The best care for your senior loved ones
Families of seniors with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia may feel helpless or alone in their journeys. Here at Magnolia Manor, we are dedicated to providing therapies and residences that care for the needs of your loved one. To learn more about memory care at Magnolia Manor, contact us today. We understand, and we are here to help!
