Music-assisted Bathing: Making Shower Time Easier for People With Dementia

Journal

Journal of Gerontological Nursing

Year

2014

Volume

40

Issue

2

First Page

9

Last Page

13

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

Disciplines

Geriatrics

PubMed ID

24550123

Document Type

Article

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