By Jane Verity © dementiacareinternational
Music and sounds affect our moods and feelings in both positive and negative ways, whether we are conscious of it or not. People with dementia can be extremely sensitive to the effects of negative noise and may become angry and aggressive at times simply because of it.
To enhance an environment to achieve positive results and minimise difficult behaviour, here are some simple rules specific to people who have dementia.
Don’ts
- Do not play loud, modern music or singing in languages foreign to those the person knows. These factors make the sounds impossible for the person with dementia to absorb and can cause agitation and aggression.
- Do not use background music as it creates a blurring effect, which can increase confusion and anxiety and interfere with the person’s ability to communicate and participate in an activity.
- Do not play staff music near areas used by residents; for example, loud music in the kitchen where it is in close proximity to the resident’s dining room.
- Do not leave television sets on all day as passive entertainment or background noise. The sound can distort the reality of the person with dementia and cause anxiety and agitation, even sadness and fear.
Do
- Use music only in carefully planned ways.
- Select music that is familiar to the listener.
- Remember: Television is not a substitute for staff time and music is not a resident minder!
- Use music only in one-to-one situations or in special group programs.
- Use more personalised music, such as the person’s favourites in their own bedroom (enlist the help of family members).
- Select music that is appropriate for the specific activity, such as sing-a-long, inspiration for movement or quiet music before going to bed.
- Choose TV programs that are short and uncomplicated at an ‘old time’ pace where the story follows in sequence.
- Screen programs about nature, animals, gardening and special events such as the Anzac Parade, Melbourne Cup and Grand Final. From experience these prove very successful, although shows about ballet or the arts work in some cases too.
- Use videos taken of events in which the person has participated as these can act as a memory stimulators.