Recent studies have revealed the profound impact music can have on individuals living with dementia, and I believe this is just the tip of the iceberg. The structured use of music can unlock memories, elevate moods, and create connections that might otherwise remain out of reach. A well-designed music program also stimulates robust socialization.
Incorporating elements of music therapy into dementia care requires intentionality and structure. This approach ensures that music is not just a random, “pick and play” YouTube activity but the creation of a meaningful, engaging experience. It contributes significantly to residents’ overall cognitive, social, and emotional well-being.
As a board-certified music therapist and certified dementia-care practitioner, I have witnessed firsthand how well-designed music sessions can transform the lives of older adults living with dementia. As the founder of Bridgetown Music Therapy, I lead what I call “dementia-friendly” music programs and offer a nuanced perspective.
Music acts as a bridge, connecting through song and helping to unlock memories that seemed lost. But that’s just the beginning. The list of benefits cascades from there into many other helpful impacts on memory care. The evidence is clear: well-structured music programs offer significant therapeutic value to residents with dementia, addressing a range of psychological ailments, including the anxiety and isolation that often accompany the condition.
Effective therapeutic music can also reduce the need for pharmacological solutions, benefiting residents and their families by decreasing reliance on medication. This reduction can also decrease side effects and costs associated with mood-altering drugs.
However, arriving at this level of dementia-friendly music can be a challenge for most senior community Activity Directors. They face significant challenges such as tight budgets, varying resident needs and preferences, as well as the necessity to provide programs that are easy to implement and maintain. Many will also frankly admit they possess little to no musical ability of their own to deliver such a program.
To address these challenges, I developed Music with Alexis for memory care communities. This program offers flexible and affordable music programs that are easy to integrate into existing schedules. With on-demand access and no need for musical ability, the sessions allow Activity Directors at dementia care communities to provide high-quality, therapeutic experiences without additional stress. The Activity Director is even able to leave the room if needed during the program.
This is why we have created engaging dementia-friendly music programs that Activity Directors to achieve on their own, providing a program that gives the Activity Director control over an immense selection of musical genres that are also very simple to access and deliver.
As part of each video, I lead the group as though I were there in person. My style is consistently personable and engaging, so that I seem like an extra staff member. I also offer live, web-based sessions once per month to keep the personal touch alive.
Pandemic Challenges Fostered a Shift
During the dark days of the COVID-19 pandemic, I saw the need for this refined this on-demand video approach. The pandemic presented unique challenges for dementia care, particularly in maintaining engagement and connection during times of isolation. In most cases, physical visits from outsiders were not considered safe.
Bridgetown Music Therapy needed to adapt to these new circumstances. Fortunately, I had a very strong, professional video production resource in my husband, Tom Baker. The solution was offering virtual and on-demand therapeutic music sessions to ensure continuity of care. As an unexpected result, Bridgetown was now able to offer therapeutic-level music programs more affordably than ever—anywhere, 24/7.
Over time, our approach has been refined, focusing on the elements that provide the most significant therapeutic benefits, while fostering a sense of connection and trust through the consistent and engaging online interactions. Out of that metamorphosis, Bridgetown Music Therapy found its footing with a new music delivery model, Music with Alexis, offering our virtual music engagement program to dementia care centers around the world.
Music with Alexis offers a variety of music sessions, carefully crafted to provide maximum benefit by enhancing well-being, reducing anxiety, and improving cognitive function. Each session is designed with elements such as appropriate pacing, intentional pauses, and targeted prompting to ensure a comprehensive, therapeutic experience. These are the hallmarks of a dementia-friendly music approach in memory care.
Our programs cater to the unique preferences of each community, ensuring high levels of engagement and connection via a diverse range of music genres, themes, and session lengths. The programs are uninterrupted by ads, providing a seamless and immersive experience to enhance trust and rapport between residents and the facilitator.
Internet delivered therapy programs at low subscription-based rates
The integration of internet technology is key to greatly enhancing the accessibility and delivery of programs. Music with Alexis offers a subscription-based service that provides 24/7 access to a vast library of therapeutic music sessions designed to promote reminiscence, movement, and social interaction.
Our goal is to create an environment where music not only entertains but also uplifts and heals. We strive to bridge the gap through music, creating moments of joy and peace. Dementia-friendly group music and movement sessions provide a safe, low-cost alternative to individual or in-person therapy sessions. Net cost is less than a dollar per day, while promoting meaningful engagement for individuals with dementia.
With easy access from any web-enabled device, Activity Directors can provide high-quality, therapeutic music experiences without the stress of pre-planning or any need for musical ability of their own. For many senior living providers, that’s music to their ears.
For those interested in exploring the benefits of Bridgetown’s Virtual Music Engagement Program for their senior residents, I offer a free, half-hour consultation to discuss how these programs can be tailored to meet specific needs. During this consultation, those interested can explore how to integrate the sessions into their existing schedules, learn more about the variety of music available and the specific benefits for their residents.
More information can be found on the website at www.BridgetownMT.com or by contacting Bridgetown Music Therapy directly at [email protected] or (503) 974-6729 by phone to schedule a free consultation.
Visitors can also enroll as a member to begin their program at https://www.bridgetownmt.com/musicwithalexis
