Individualised music for people living with dementia and the experiences and perceptions of residential aged care staff: A qualitative study. (5th August 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Gaviola, Minah Amor; Higgins, Isabel; Dilworth, Sophie; Holliday, Elizabeth; Inder, Kerry J.
• Is Part Of: Australasian journal on ageing. Volume 41:Number 1(2022)
• Page Start: e8
• Page End: e15
• Publication Date: 2021-08-05
• Subjects: dementia -- frail older adults -- music therapy -- qualitative research -- residential facilities; Older people -- Periodicals; Older people -- Australia -- Periodicals; Old age -- Periodicals; Geriatrics -- Periodicals; Gerontology -- Pacific Area -- Periodicals; 618.97
• DOI: 10.1111/ajag.12987
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1440-6381

Abstract

Abstract: Objective: To explore the experiences and perceptions of staff regarding the use of individualised music for people with dementia living in residential aged care. Methods: A qualitative descriptive methodology was used. Methods included a focus group and face‐to‐face interviews, open‐ended responses to a pre‐post survey and relevant clinical notes about older participants' responses. Qualitative content analysis was used to analyse data. Results: There were four themes: (1) transcendental reminiscing, the calm, the joy and the elation; (2) optimism, excitement and the snowball effect; (3) pitching in for older person, it is not rocket science and the hurdles; and (4) music beyond the intervention. Conclusions: Overall, the individualised music was a generally positive experience. While some older participants reported discomfort with the use of headphones, staff concerns related to care and accessibility of music equipment.