Exploring the Use of Music as an Intervention for Older People Living in Nursing Homes

Journal

Nursing Older People

Year

2021

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Enjoying cultural events such as musical performances is a human right as well as contributing to quality of life. However, older people who live in nursing homes are often excluded from such events. Music interventions for older people with cognitive decline have been shown to have a positive effect on their mood and behaviour, particularly in terms of anxiety, agitation and irritability. AIM: To investigate the effect of musical interventions in nursing homes from the perspective of older people, their relatives and caregivers. METHOD: Musical performances were held at 11 nursing homes in Sweden. These performances were followed by semi-structured interviews that aimed to capture the experiences of the older people, their relatives and caregivers. The interviews were analysed by qualitative thematic analysis. FINDINGS: Four relational themes were generated from the analysis: music enhances well-being for the body and soul, music evokes emotions and a 'spark of life', music adds a 'silver lining' to everyday life, and music inspires a journey of the imagination through time and space. CONCLUSION: The music concerts had a positive effect on older people, their relatives and caregivers. Providing cultural encounters in nursing homes is an important caring intervention.

Music and Health Institute Terms

Alzheimer's and Related Dementias; Caregivers; Elderly; Emotional Functioning; Interviews; Live Music Listening; Long-Term Care Facility; Music Listening; Neurodegenerative Disorders; Positive Verbalizations; Psychological Outcomes; Quality of Life; Wellness and Well-Being

Indexed Terms

Elderly; Caregivers; Dementia; Nursing Homes; Quality of Life; care homes; clinical; complementary therapies; older people

Study Type

Case Study; Qualitative Methods

PubMed ID

34643343

Document Type

Article

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