The Respect and Understanding organization believes that an ongoing evaluation component is necessary to maintain a healthy feedback relationship with the facilities we serve.
According to a study shared in the Journal of Clinical Nursing, music is a “valuable intervention” in helping patients deal with Alzheimer’s and Dementia. While hospice residents show improved, short term behavior, gathering data from nurses, families and residents is not very easy. (Chang et al., 2010)
The Respect and Understanding Inc. Music Participation Healing model of karaoke and synchronized drumming, uses familiar songs and rhythms to help residents work through agitation, anxiety or depression.
We are witnessing “new life” in patients, more than we can document, and this “new life” is being transferred amongst the resident social environment. Miracles happen at karaoke events, where residents start with a small mouthing of the song lyrics, which then leads to improved cognitive behavior as the resident learns to sing the song they knew once again.
This song recognition response is now of great interest in the healthcare community. Studies are identifying healthier neurological activation as a result of previous emotional / experiential recall, and this is the focus of our programs.
TESTIMONIALS
I am speaking as an employee observer. I have observed that our residents benefit from all music programs. Their mood improves, they are more positive about recuperation and are more friendly toward their fellow residents. Music drifting down the hallways is also beneficial to the staff, making their often tedious job a bit easier. Thank you for providing this musical "service" for all of us! Betty P., Pasadena, CA
The music stimulates the residents allowing them to be more active and participate with all activities. Arthur D., Los Angeles, CA
When the residents participate with the music, they are more aware and vibrant. Thank you. Yolanda S., Whittier, CA
References
Chang, Fang-Yu., Huang, Hui-Chi., Lin, Kuan-Chia., Lin, Li-Chan., (2010) The Effect of a Music Program During Lunchtime on the Problem Behavior of the Older Residents with Dementia at an Institution in Taiwan, Journal of Clinical Nursing, 19, 939-948.
Spiro, Neta (November 2010). Music and Dementia: Observing effects and searching underlying theories. Aging and Mental Health. Vol. 14, No. 8, pgs 891-899.
Wall, Michelle, Duffy, Anita., (November 2010). Brittish Journal of Nursing, The effects of music therapy for older people with dementia. Vol. 19, no 2.
