The role of the music therapist in training caregivers of people who have advanced dementia

ABSTRACT

Music therapy is an evidence-based, non-pharmacological treatment for dementia and the accompanying symptoms of agitation, anxiety, and behavioral issues. Administrators of health care organizations find the modality appealing for its benefits and also for the growing evidence that music therapy is a cost-effective intervention. Music therapists are recognized to be qualified clinicians of a research-supported practice which is particularly effective with clients who have advanced dementia. We are able to access memory, speech, and interactive abilities thought to be destroyed by the disease of dementia. We are, therefore, educationally and clinically adept at creating communications with clients that other professional helpers may struggle to achieve. How we use tone of voice, rhythm and melody, and nuances of gesture are skills that can be taught to fellow caregivers.

This article draws upon knowledge gleaned from the author having conducted over 20 enhanced communication trainings with nurses, students, community members, and other caregivers who have an interest in dementia care, and also a study she conducted that showed significance in how this type of training affected caregivers. Here, suggestions are offered to guide music therapists in reimagining their work and designing a format for educating other professionals involved in the care of people with advanced dementia.

KEYWORDS:

• Music therapy
• dementia
• training
• caregivers

Disclosure statement

The author of this article received no compensation for the research cited within it.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Laura E. Beer

Laura Beer, PhD, MT-BC, ACMT, is Music Therapy Program Director and Chair of the Department of Art, Music and Creative Arts Therapies at Marylhurst University. She completed her Master’s degree education in Music Therapy at New York University and her doctoral work at the University of Northern Colorado. An active music therapist for over 29 years, Laura has extensive clinical experience including training with Clive and Carol Robbins and, more recently, in hospice and neonatal intensive care settings. While working in end-of-life care, she received national attention for her work from both the music therapy organization and the national hospice association. She is an internationally recognized researcher, having conducted both quantitative and qualitative studies. Laura has authored a monograph, several articles in peer-reviewed journals, is a published songwriter, and serves on the Editorial Board of Music Therapy Perspectives.