Happy Valentine's Day!
I'd like to share a sweet story that happened during a recent music therapy session for clients with Alzheimer's diseases and/or dementia at an assisted living facility.
The powerful impact of music therapy in senior care is still a hidden gem. Many people are not aware that Group Music Therapy has been an cost-effective way to reduce anxiety and confusion, increase orientation, promote socialization and emotional processing in the Dementia Care Unit, especially during sundowning (a common symptom of Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia, including increased level of confusion, agitation, and disorientation). Compared to medication, music therapy is a non-intrusive treatment without complicated side effects. Given that many clients with dementia often have complex health conditions, music therapy offers a more holistic treatment model.
Following an assessment, treatment plan, and continuing evaluation, music therapist is able to respond at the moment to assess and fulfill individuals' needs while facilitating a supportive and inclusive community.
Check out the video below to hear the sweet moment from a recent group music therapy session.
星宇在此與大家分享情人節期間發生在Sherrill House（US NEWS BEST Assisted Living Facility）的關於愛的故事，帶領為患有阿爾茲海默症的老人們設計的音樂治療團體。
在黃昏期間，由於光照的變化加上疾病造成的認知障礙與記憶力退化，特別容易讓患有阿爾茲海默症的老人變得困惑、焦躁不安、易怒，由於言語功能的退化造成難以理解周圍發生的事情，這又會加劇不安與護理的難度；而過度使用鎮靜劑又會對身體產生副作用，加快身體機能的退化。
而音樂治療這種非藥物性的醫療干預卻能夠在解決上述困難的同時，為老人們提供一個支持性的環境以促進社交、社會支持、情感交流與宣洩、創造性的表達、維持現有認知功能與運動功能，並創造與家人共享天倫之樂的機會。
即使年事已高、因退行性疾病而需要他人24小時的照顧，仍然可以有尊嚴地去表達自己、與人連結。對於家人而言，亦是一種支持與安慰。
