THE SOOTHING POWER OF MP3 MUSIC

Ben GatehouseDementia Care ConsultantSouthern Cross Care (Vic)

BACKGROUND TO THIS PROJECT

Community and residential staff and families wanting additional resources and strategies to:

Improve quality of life through leisure and lifestyle activities

Prevent, and or manage behaviours of concern (i.e. anxiety, restlessness, shadowing, persistent questioning)

Use music in a more individualised, person-centred way

MP3 PROJECT

Southern Cross Care (Vic) began using MP3 technology in community and residential care settings in late 2010

All clients / residents at different stages of dementia were eligible to participate

Dementia champions, care managers, regional and site managers were briefed about the project and referral staff / family feedback documents were developed

OUTCOMES

Reduces / prevents sundowning symptoms

Provides additional leisure activity

Increases respite period for carers

Improves cross generational exchange and relationships

Allows walking / wandering / activity

Reduces use of psychotropic medication at home and in residential care

May delay residential care placement

WHAT ELSE DID WE LEARN ?

Responses to the program differed between sites

The dementia champion is pivotal

Prejudging of clients / residents may result in some people missing the opportunity to be involved

“Den became more relaxed, calmer and less anxious. This is a very pleasant surprise as Den was not one to enjoy music to any great extent previously.” (Carer)

RESEARCH PARTNERSHIP

In late 2011, SCC (Vic) will partner with La Trobe

University to research the use of MP3 technology

Research will specifically look at the following:

- evidence of reduced incidence and severity of behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia

- quality of life

- improved quality of life for carers