Music Therapy: What It Is and Why It Works for Older Adults May 8, 2013 LeadingAge Iowa Spring Conference West Music Company, Inc Rachel Miller, MT-BC Definition of Music Therapy Music Therapy is the clinical and evidence based use of music interventions to accomplish individualized goals within a therapeutic relationship by a credentialed professional who has completed an approved music therapy program. (American Music Therapy Association definition, 2008) www.musictherapy.org History of Music Therapy Music has played a role in healing rituals throughout time Writings of Aristotle and Plato Early Medicine WWI & WWII Veteran s hospital musicians Michigan State University-1944 1
Training Bachelor s Degree or higher in Music Therapy Clinical training internship-1200 hours Board Certification Exam resulting in MT-BC 100 hours of continuing education With whom do MT-BCs work? Children, adolescents, adults with: Mental health disorders depression, dual diagnoses, eating disorders, PTSD Developmental disabilities including Autism, Rett Syndrome, William s Syndrome, Down Syndrome, FAS, behavioral disorders Traumatic brain injuries Substance abuse Alzheimer s/dementia/parkinson s Cancer, chronic pain, stroke, terminally ill Where does music therapy happen? Community Mental Health Correctional facilities Day treatment/adult Day Care Hospitals children, general, psychiatric, oncology Geriatric care programs Nursing homes/assisted living Home health programs Hospice/Bereavement Physical rehab centers Private practice and agencies Schools public an private Prevention and wellness programs Residential facilities skilled nursing facilities, intermediate care facility Substance Abuse programs Group homes More 2
Why does it work? Every culture Encompasses many aspects of our lives Calming Stimulating Familiar Motivating Multi- sensorial Processed in both hemispheres of the brain Time oriented Adaptive Age appropriate Types of Interventions Instrument playing structured or improvisational Singing Song writing Lyric analysis Listening to music Movement Music Therapy vs. Recreation Extensive training Knowledgeable about populations and diagnoses Ability to transpose and meet the needs of the clients Training in counseling and other therapeutic techniques 3
Goal Areas Communication Cognition Motor Emotional Social Cognitive Memory Recall Short and Long Term Improve Academic Skills Daily Living Skills Phone Number/Address Reality Orientation Music Therapy Techniques Lyric Analysis Musical Games Adapted Instrument Instruction Adapted Music Ensembles Instrument Playing 4
Social Acknowledge Others Team Building Introductions Meaningful Interaction Decrease Isolation Music Therapy Techniques Instrumental Ensembles Vocal Ensembles Musical Games Motor Increase Range of Motion Cross Midline Gait Training Pincer Grasp Increase Gripping Power Pointing Muscle Control 5
Music Therapy Techniques Instrument Playing Adapted Instruments Piano Scales Rhythmic Auditory Stimulation Patterned Sensory Enhancement Movement-to-Music Communication Increase Verbal Expression Increase Non-Verbal Expression Increase Verbal Reception Increase Non-Verbal Reception Music Therapy Techniques Songwriting Improvisation (vocal/instrumental) Therapeutic Singing Melodic Intonation Therapy 6
Emotional Increase Positive Expression Increase Positive Affect Increase Positive Coping Capability Increase Use of Appropriate Emotional Responses Music Therapy Techniques Improvisation Songwriting Lyric Analysis Musical Games Instrument Ensembles Adapted or Traditional Music Instruction Specific Interventions Instrument Playing -Provide vibrotactile stimulation -Held in hand, lap, or by caregiver -Small ensembles or solo -Provide opportunity for expression and/or teamwork 7
Specific Interventions Singing Singing ability Familiar and entrained Elicit positive emotions Modifications/songwriting Sing-Alongs Specific Interventions Music for Reminiscence Connected to our memories End of life review through songwriting, legacy CDs, or funeral music planning Facilitates socialization when sharing POWERFUL Specific Interventions Music and Movement Enhances music interventions Parachutes, balloons, choreography Promotes social interaction Music as motivation for movement 8
Specific Interventions Music Games Complete the Line Name That Tune Music Trivia This Day in Music History Specific Interventions Using Recorded Music Create a custom recording Background music Must match tastes of individual Overstimulation is possible Music Therapy The Logistics Referral Assessment Treatment Plan Documentation Discharge 9
Any Questions? Conclusion Rachel Miller, MT-BC West Music Company, Inc. 3304 100 th Street Urbandale, IA 50322 515.278.1000 ext. 6111 10