Promoting well-being among people with early-stage dementia and their family carers through community-based group singing: a phenomenological study

ABSTRACT

Background

Dementia can negatively impact the well-being of people living with dementia and their family carers. Research suggests that music psychosocial interventions are effective, safe alternatives to pharmacological interventions for the promotion of well-being . However, evidence is limited, and research gaps remain. This study explores how a community-based group singing intervention impacts the well-being of people with early-stage dementia and their family carers.

Methods

A phenomenological methodological approach was adopted. Participants engaged in a six-week group singing intervention facilitated by a music therapist in a community arts centre. Semi-structured interviews were conducted (n = 7).

Results

Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis revealed four superordinate themes: (1) Social Connection; (2) Happiness and Rejuvenation; (3) Reconnection with the Self; and (4) Supporting the Carer–Cared-for Relationship.

Conclusions

Evidence of multidimensional enhancement of well-being, absence of adverse effects, and accessibility of this musical medium support the increased provision of community-based singing groups for these populations.

KEYWORDS:

• Dementia
• music
• well-being
• family carer
• community

Acknowledgments

The authors thank the healthcare staff in Tallaght University Hospital for their essential role in recruitment, the music therapist Marguerite Collins for facilitating the singing sessions, the staff at Rua Red, South Dublin Arts Centre, and all the participants who generously gave up their time to be part of this study.

Disclosure statement

The authors report no conflict of interest.

Research ethics and patient consent

This study was approved by the Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences Research Ethics Committee at the University of Limerick.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Irish Research Council under Grant [GOIPG/2019/3222].