Calming Music and Hand Massage With Agitated Elderly
Abstract
Examined whether modifying environmental stimuli by the use of calming music and hand massage affected agitated behavior in persons with dementia. The effects were tested of a 10-min exposure to calming music and/or massage on the frequency and type of agitated behaviors in 68 62-99 yr old nursing home residents with dementia. A modified version of the Cohen-Mansfield Agitation Inventory was used to record agitated behaviors. Results show that each of the interventions reduced agitation more than no intervention (control). The benefit was sustained and increased up to 1 hr following the intervention. The increase in benefit over time was similar for each intervention group. When types of agitated behaviors were examined separately, none of the interventions significantly reduced physically aggressive behaviors, while physically nonaggressive behaviors decreased during each of the interventions. No additive benefit resulted from simultaneous exposure to calming music and hand massage. One hr following any intervention, verbally agitated behavior decreased more than no intervention. It is concluded that calming music and hand massage alter the immediate environment of agitated nursing home residents to a calm structured surrounding, offsetting disturbing stimuli. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved)