Why music?

Care Organisation TOOLKIT

The impact of music on people is undeniable, no matter their preferences or how deeply they engage with it. Whether someone actively listens to music, plays an instrument, or has it in the background, music has a way of triggering responses—both consciously and subconsciously. This makes music a valuable tool in care settings. It can be used in simple ways, from listening to favorite songs to singing along, to help not only clients, patients, and residents but also to support and connect with caregivers.

To use music effectively in care, it’s helpful to understand how it works and why it has such a positive effect.

Music and the brain
Music is more than just sound—it’s something that our whole body and brain respond to. When we hear music, sound waves create vibrations that travel through our ears and send signals to the brain. These signals are processed in different parts of the brain, each handling aspects like rhythm, melody, and pitch.

What’s really interesting is that these brain areas don’t work in isolation. They communicate and work together, creating the experience of music that we feel emotionally, physically, and mentally. This connection explains why music can uplift our mood, help us remember things, or even encourage physical movement.

Engaging with music over time can actually change the brain in positive ways, helping to maintain or improve overall health. That’s why using music regularly in care settings, even in simple ways like singing or listening to favorite tunes, can have lasting benefits for both the body and the mind.

Using music in everyday elderly care
Caring for individuals with dementia can be challenging, particularly when it comes to managing behavioral and emotional symptoms. While medications are often used, they can have side effects and don’t always address the underlying causes. That’s where music comes in. As a simple, non-drug intervention, music can connect with people on a personal level, helping to soothe emotions, trigger memories, and improve overall well-being.

Rather than focusing solely on symptoms, non-pharmacological approaches like music aim to meet the emotional and psychological needs of the person. Music is especially effective because it taps into emotions, memories, and social connections in ways that other interventions might not. This helps create a more personalized care experience.

In fact, the 2016 guidelines from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recommend using non-drug interventions like music as a first-line option for managing behaviors in individuals with dementia. Music-based interventions not only manage symptoms but also improve quality of life by focusing on the emotional needs and personal experiences of those in care.

Music is easy to integrate into daily care routines—whether by playing familiar tunes, singing together, or using rhythmic activities to encourage movement. This approach creates a positive, calming environment, helping to reduce anxiety and foster meaningful connections between caregivers and those they support.

Research has shown that music benefits older people in many ways, particularly in care settings. Music can be a powerful resource for:

Want to know more about how music impacts the brain?
· Music and Emotions: Music has the incredible ability to evoke deep emotional responses. Whether it's joy, melancholy, enthusiasm, or nostalgia, different types of music can bring out a wide range of feelings. This emotional power is one of the reasons music can be such a useful tool in care settings, helping individuals feel more connected or comforted. Click here to see the case study.

· Music and Memory: Music is closely linked to memory and learning. When we engage with music, it activates key areas of the brain, including the hippocampus, which plays a crucial role in memory. Because of this, people often find it easier to recall information or memories when they’re connected to musical experiences. Click here to see case study. Click here to see the case study

· Music and Movement: The rhythm in music can have a direct impact on our motor function and coordination. When we listen to music with a strong beat, our body naturally synchronizes with it. This is why music is frequently used in physical therapy and rehabilitation, as it helps improve coordination and movement. Click here to see the case study.

· Music and Motivation: Listening to music we enjoy triggers the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with feelings of reward and pleasure. This not only lifts our mood but also boosts motivation, making everyday tasks more enjoyable. Anticipating a favorite part of a song can enhance this effect even more. Click here to see the case study

· Music and Stress Relief: Slow, calming music—such as classical or ambient sounds—can activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which helps the body relax. This leads to lower heart rate, reduced blood pressure, and a decrease in stress hormones, making music a powerful tool for relaxation and stress relief in care settings. Click here to see the case study

· Music and Social Connection: Music is a universal form of non-verbal communication that plays a vital role in building social bonds. It helps reinforce connections between individuals and groups, whether in personal relationships or larger communities. Music can also foster tolerance and understanding between people from different backgrounds or cultures. Click here to see the case

The role of music in enhancing elderly care
Incorporating music into everyday care routines can greatly benefit elderly individuals, especially those with moderate to severe dementia. Person-centered musical interactions create a sense of safety and security within care settings. These interactions help reduce resistance to care, foster meaningful connections, and address the social and emotional needs of individuals.
For example, caregivers who sing to or with the elderly during caregiving tasks often experience fewer conflicts and better engagement. This approach empowers care workers to integrate music into their daily routines, benefiting both clients and their colleagues. The aim of DaDOM is to empower care workers to use music in their daily professional practice, encouraging everyone to harness their potential to create and use music to help clients, residents, and care workers alike.

Music can be used in elderly care in three main ways: as entertainment or distraction, as a stimulus or educational tool, and as a source of solace or therapy.

As entertainment and distraction: Music can be part of the entertainment program in care homes, bringing joy and offering a break from daily routines. Situational singing can serve as a pleasant distraction to ease difficult emotional states and behaviors, and reduce resistance during tasks such as dressing, bathing, or medical procedures.
As a stimulus or educational tool: Music, or even a song fragment, can be used to encourage movement, activate motor skills, or keep individuals engaged. It can also serve as an auditory cue to signal specific activities, such as waking up in the morning or helping residents orient themselves in their environment.
As solace or therapy: Music can provide comfort in times of loneliness or grief. It can soothe anxiety, reduce tension, and alleviate pain, uplifting individuals to a state of peace and well-being.

These strategies can be used together or alternated as needed. Music is a flexible, person-centered intervention designed to meet the emotional and physical needs of elderly individuals in care settings.

For those looking to explore more about the use of music in care settings, additional background information is available through the online teacher training provided by DaDOM. Find the online teacher training here.