The effect of music on carers
Music for Dementia is delighted to share this blog post from our friends at Dementia Carers Count. It provides information of the power of music, and its effect on carers.
The power of music
As a carer, music can be a gamechanger. Different songs and sounds can lighten the mood, create connections, relieve stress and bring back memories. Music can be especially useful in everyday situations when other communication or activities are challenging.
Music is part of our identity
Music is part of who we are. We all have a personal soundtrack. Knowing what music someone likes can help us understand and connect with them in different ways. Music can enrich the way we interact with each other. If we know that a certain song brings a smile, or gets somebody tapping their toes, or dance - be it in the kitchen or when going out - we know how to spark a moment of joy for ourselves and the person we care for.
Music connects us to our memories and emotions
Music can remind us of past events, periods of time and specific moments in our relationships.
Sometimes a piece of music can remind us of the good times and give us the boost we need to get through an otherwise difficult day. Sometimes there are moments when we feel we reconnect with the person we are caring for when we hear a special song.
Memories of good times can also bring up negative feelings, they can remind us of times gone by that we can't get back. They can remind us of what we might be missing in the relationship we used to have.
It's normal for us to feel a range of emotions. In its own way, music can help us "feel" and process the feelings that we cannot put into words ourselves. Certain song lyrics help us to recognise our feelings and to understand and accept them.
Music helps us to feel less alone
It can be very lonely being a carer. Maybe the person you care for finds it difficult to leave the house and so you spend most of your time at home. You may have no one to talk to except the person you're caring for. Music can keep you company and be a real comfort. It can provide an escape to another place or time.
If you manage to get out of the house, taking part in musical activities (with the person you care for or with others) can really help to build bonds and a social connection without having to come up with an idea to chat about. Maybe you like singing in a choir or listening to music with others. This way you immediately have a common interest with another group.
Music can help with the everyday challenges
Sometimes putting on music can change difficult moments. A song or beat can distract, relieve stress, lighten the mood and prevent feelings of frustration.
Stimulating music can help with everyday activities like personal care if it encourages movement. Music with percussion, beats like swing or band music, or music that encourages tapping or clapping can help with dressing or bathing, for example.
Calming and soothing music such as classical music or ballads can be helpful on the way to a hospital appointment or when someone is restless towards evening. Even humming or singing a favourite song can have a powerful effect. It can be a real mood lifter that helps you both feel more relaxed.
How Dementia Carers Count supports carers and families living with dementia
We know that caring for people living with dementia can be very challenging. That's why we're here to offer practical and emotional support to families living with dementia. We offer a wide range of resources and support that can be accessed online, by phone or in person. Our team of health and care professionals help people who care to become more confident and reduce feelings of isolation by learning more about dementia and connecting them with others in similar situations.
Why we support Thank You Day
Thank You Day is an opportunity to remember and thank everyone who cares for others in the UK. This year, it's an opportunity to think about what music is important to us and why. When we share our musical likes with others, they learn more about us and this can help us feel more connected. Encourage others to tell you about what they like to listen to and if you know someone who is looking after someone else, there are simple practical ways in which you can support them and remind them that they are not alone.