Music therapy services for Aged Care Institutions

The music therapy approach is aimed at creating and maintaining an environment based on mutual respect, an empathic understanding of of each person as an individual and in promoting interaction and self- expression.

The program offered to aged care institutions involves group and individual client work, the aims of which are to: 

          *Provide a means of sensory and cognitive stimulation for clients

          *Provide a means of non verbal expression to clients 

          *Provide psychosocial, emotional and spiritual support through music therapy intervention

          *Facilitate self- expression, meaningful activity and social interaction amongst clients  

          *Decrease or manage anxiety, depression and agitation 

          *Facilitate temporary distraction from pain

          *Provide an emotional outlet particularly for feelings of grief or loss 

What does a Music Therapy Program involve?

Depending on the needs of the clientele, a Group or Individual Music Therapy session in an aged care setting, facilitated by a Registered Music Therapist may involve any of the following:

              *Offering song choice and validation 

              *Promoting verbal and non- verbal communication leading to increased social interaction and maintenance of social skills 

              *Facilitating participation in the singing of culture and age appropriate music with the use of guitar, piano or keyboard

              *The use of familiar and preferred western classical music repertoire, and light popular music from past decades

              *Creating a music compilation for Individual clients in accordance with their preference, to aid relaxation, facilitate life review and reminiscence

              *Psychosocial, spiritual, emotional support through interaction between the therapist and client/clients, both with or without the aid of music

              *Working with nursing and other allied health professionals towards achieving best outcomes for the client  

              *Encouraging visiting family and staff to participate and/ assist in sessions 

Music Therapy Services for Clients in their Homes

This program is aimed at reducing social withdrawal and isolation, and providing individual clients with psychosocial support through music therapy, in their homes. 

Specifically, this program involves:

           *Music- aided life review and reminiscence 

           *Opportunities for choice, participation, and asserting individual preference aimed towards increasing a sense of identity

           *Improving the quality of life experience within the home

           *The use of appropriate live or recorded music to facilitate sensory and cognitive stimulation