Music-assisted Bathing: Making Shower Time Easier for People With Dementia
Journal
Journal of Gerontological Nursing
Year
2014
Abstract
It is estimated that 90% of nursing home residents need assistance with bathing. The purpose of this article is to describe a music-assisted care technique that can be used by caregivers when bathing nursing home residents with dementia. Research suggests that music has many therapeutic benefits for people with dementia. Using music to soothe anxiety can be an effective intervention to assist with lessening of agitation during activities of daily living, especially bathing. This article will provide nursing and direct care staff tools to successfully conduct the music-assisted bathing protocol. Consideration for choosing appropriate music for bathing, the creation of individualized personalized playlists, and acknowledgement of desired outcomes are presented. Incorporating music-assisted bathing may address neuropsychiatric symptoms of dementia by lessening agitation and improving mood, which in turn can increase job satisfaction.
Music and Health Institute Terms
Agitation; Alzheimer's and Related Dementias; Anxiety; Caregivers; Elderly; Long-Term Care Facility; Mental Health; Mood; Music Listening; Neurodegenerative Disorders; Symptom Management
Indexed Terms
Baths; Dementia; Nursing Homes
Study Type
Editorial, Opinions, Position Papers
PubMed ID
24550123
Document Type
Article
Recommended Citation
Ray, K. D., & Fitzsimmons, S. (2014). Music-assisted Bathing: Making Shower Time Easier for People With Dementia. Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 40 (2), 9-13. Retrieved from https://remix.berklee.edu/mhi-citations/152