“Opening Our Time Capsule”—Creating an Individualized Music and Other Memory Cues Database to Promote Communication Between Spouses and People With Dementia During Visits to a Nursing Home

Background: Family members play a critical role in caring for people with dementia, and their involvement in care continues even after their loved ones are placed in long-term care facilities. The dynamics of family involvement following institutionalization are complex and challenging. The strain on caregivers does not cease and communication difficulties are a major barrier due to deteriorating language abilities as a result of dementia. Also, caregivers' involvement has implications on the quality of life of both the older adult and his family members.Objective: To help alleviate caregivers' burden during visiting hours, by promoting communication opportunities. The program included the creation of an individualized database using personal music and photos that present life episodes.Methods: A qualitative research was used to explore spouses' experience during visits and the process of creating and using the individualized database. Participants included three women who regularly visited their partners who had dementia and resided in a nursing home. The first phase included creating an individualized database for each couple. In the second phase, four meetings were conducted, each woman with her partner, utilizing the database on a tablet. A case study research design was used and various types of data were collected and analyzed. The data included interview reports (pre-post intervention), preparation meetings reports, spouses' recorded reactions at the end of each of the four visits, and the music therapist's written log during the program.Results: All documented data revealed the difficulties, mostly the communication barrier, encountered by the three women during their visits to the nursing home. All reported that using the individualized database helped them to find ways to communicate with their partners, relive shared past experiences, and alleviate the stress and feelings of disconnection during visits.Conclusions: Forming a bridge between past and present via individualized music and photos databases can be helpful in bridging the gap between people with dementia in nursing homes and their family members

Caring for Individuals with Dementia on a Continuum: An Interdisciplinary Approach Between Music Therapy and Nursing

Background: Music has long been used to ease symptoms of dementia. Several studies have shown the therapeutic benefits of music therapy to decrease symptoms of agitation in people with dementia (PWD). Other research has demonstrated that the use of music during caregiving can ease agitated behaviors. However, few studies have shown the clinical benefits of using translational research in practice between music therapists and certified nursing assistants

Why Music Therapists Choose to Work with a Clinical Population: An International Pilot Survey

(1) Background: Throughout their career, music therapists make decisions regarding the clinical population they choose to work with. Though such decisions can have broad implications on the professional development of the music therapist, not much is known about the reasons for making these decisions and whether they are affected by demographic or professional factors. (2) Methods: In this pilot study, we surveyed 439 music therapists from six countries (i.e., Austria, the Czech Republic, Germany, Israel, Spain, and Switzerland) using an online questionnaire. We asked the respondents to explain why they chose to work with their main clienteles, and we examined whether their reasons were connected to demographic factors such as country of origin, gender, and seniority, and professional factors such as experience as a music therapist and population one works with. (3) Results: The category analysis of these responses pointed at nine distinct reasons that could be grouped into "practical reasons", "reasons of connection", and "innovation". There were differences in reasoning between music therapists from different countries, and with different degrees of seniority, but not between male and female music therapists. (4) Discussion: The implications on training programs and on policy makers are discussed as well as the importance of this subject to the development of music therapists' professional identity

Musical Auto-biography Interview (MABI) as Promoting Self-identity and Well-being in the Elderly Through Music and Reminiscence

This study presents a technique that is used to create an elderly person’s musical autobiography in a one-on-one interview format as a means of promoting well-being and enabling a different connection between the elderly person and the interviewer. Forty-three interviewers’ essays documenting these meetings and written in the past 4 years (2012–2016) were analyzed. The interviewers were from diverse disciplines (music therapists, social workers, occupational therapists, physical therapists), who participated in different courses pertaining to music and the elderly. A qualitative analysis based on grounded theory paradigm revealed three main categories: (1) The elderly presented mostly musical memories from their childhood and youth, a period when music played a significant role in their lives; (2) The mutual musicking vividly elicited remote memories and emotionally impacted both parties; and (3) The mutual musicking revealed new and unfamiliar facets of the elderly. The findings suggest that creating a Musical Auto-Biography Interview (MABI) through a process of music and reminiscence strengthened the elderly’s sense of self-identity, illuminated hidden facets, and changed attitudes toward the elderly. Theoretical viewpoints as well as practical suggestions for music therapists and other practitioners are discussed, suggesting using MABI as an effective technique to promote well-being and redefine the elderly’s status in society. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved

People With Dementia as ‘spect-actors’ in a Musical Theatre Group With Performing Arts Students from the Community

A collaborative music and drama therapy initiative with performing arts students and people with dementia yielded an innovative framework. Twelve people with dementia residing in a nursing home and twelve students from a performing arts school took part in two consecutive groups (6 residents and 6 students in each group). Each group was 10 sessions long. The groups were co-facilitated by a music therapist and a drama therapist. A qualitative research embracing action research ideas was used, and content analysis of all written documents revealed three major categories: (1) Combining music and drama expanded the emotional and creative modes of expression for people with dementia, (2) The supporting engagement of performing arts students helped people with dementia to play an active role in the musical-dramatic space, and (3) The joint framework enabled people with dementia to participate as actors in the final performance of an auto-biographical therapeutic theatre. Promoting modes of creative self-expression for people with dementia is important when autonomy is gradually lost with the progression of the disease. A new perspective of viewing people with dementia as ‘spect-actors’, moving from spectators to actors, contributes to various aspects of autonomy, such as mastery, dignity and independence. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved

"My Voice is who I am" - Vocal Improvisation Group Work with Healthy Community-Dwelling Older Adults

Background: Vocal improvisation is known as beneficial in promoting well-being, yet not much is known about using vocal improvisation with healthy older adults. While the emphasis in music therapy on studying interventions with clinical populations of older adults is important, the challenges and stressors facing healthy older adults require more investigation. Methods: This qualitative study analyzed the experiences of 54 older adults, ranging between 60 and 93 years (M=71.07), who participated in 12 weekly vocal improvisation group meetings that incorporated various voice improvisation techniques. Data was gathered using qualitative semi-structured group interviews with 12 focus groups (pre- and post-intervention). Results: A qualitative content analysis revealed that the vocal improvisations created the sense of an open space where participants could express and explore their own voices. The intervention has changed their attitudes regarding their own voices and led to meaningful personal experiences and new self-discoveries. The participants described experiencing a significant emotional process during the group work and reported experiencing self-exploration, and improvements in their self-beliefs, attitudes regarding their own voices, and their well-being. Conclusions: Vocal improvisation group intervention was experienced as beneficial for the well-being of healthy community-dwelling older adults.Hintergrund: Es ist bekannt, dass Vokalimprovisation das Wohlbefinden fördert. Hingegen ist noch nicht viel über die Anwendung von Vokalimprovisation bei gesunden älteren Menschen bekannt. Während der Schwerpunkt in der Musiktherapie auf der Untersuchung von Interventionen mit klinischen Populationen älterer Menschen liegt, müssen die Herausforderungen und Stressfaktoren, mit denen gesunde ältere Menschen konfrontiert sind, genauer untersucht werden. Methoden: In dieser qualitativen Studie wurden die Erfahrungen von 54 älteren Menschen im Alter von 60 bis 93 Jahren (M=71,07) analysiert. Die Proband*innen nahmen an 12 wöchentlichen Vokalimprovisationsgruppen teil, in denen verschiedene Stimmimprovisationstechniken eingesetzt wurden. Die Daten wurden mittels qualitativer, halbstrukturierter Gruppeninterviews und 12 Fokusgruppen (vor und nach der Intervention) erhoben. Ergebnisse: Eine qualitative Inhaltsanalyse ergab, dass die Gesangsimprovisationen das Gefühl eines offenen Raums schufen, in dem die Teilnehmenden ihre eigene Stimme ausdrücken und erforschen konnten. Die Intervention hat deren Einstellung zur eigenen Stimme verändert und zu bedeutsamen persönlichen Erfahrungen und neuen Selbsterkenntnissen geführt. Die Teilnehmenden beschrieben, dass sie während der Gruppenarbeit tiefgreifende emotionale Prozesse erlebten. Weiters berichteten sie von einer Verbesserung ihres Selbstbewusstseins, der Einstellung zu ihrer eigenen Stimme und ihres Wohlbefindens. Schlussfolgerungen: Die Gruppenintervention mit Gesangsimprovisation zeigte sich als förderlich für das Wohlbefinden gesunder, in der Gemeinschaft lebender älterer Menschen

Towards Sustainable Implementation of Music in Daily Care of People With Dementia and Their Spouses

Primary caregivers (PCs) of people with dementia deal with stressful daily living, especially spouses whose care recipient is at home. Several programs have been developed to aid caregiving by providing musical strategies, yet successful sustainable implementation of music in the daily lives of the couples awaits further research and development. To promote this, in this pilot study we proposed a music therapy program that included 12 weekly sessions with the couple in their home environment. In addition, there were bi-weekly phone counseling sessions with the PC, to reflect on the joint sessions and to help implement music in daily life. Findings based on the description, analysis, and interpretation of two cases showed that the proposed program provided a strong foundation upon which the treatment could succeed; it relied on natural forces such as the use of songs, which can empower each of the spouses individually, as well as together as a couple; and it included elements of ongoing support that enabled preservation of the accomplishments that were achieved during the sessions. Future research is required to examine whether this program is appropriate for couples in other housing contexts, and in different stages of dementia. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved

Die klinischen und theoretischen Trends der Musiktherapeuten: Der Fall Israel

Dans l’étude actuelle, nous avons mené une première de son enquête en ligne genre de musicothérapeutes (MT) en Israël. Bien que ce domaine se soit développé rapidement et à ce jour comprend environ 700 MTs, il n'y avait pas encore une enquête menée pour adresser leurs domaines d'intérêt, et leurs orientations cliniques et théoriques. Au total, 107 MTs, dont 48 avaient plus de 8 ans d'expérience (MEMT) et 57 avaient moins de 8 ans d'expérience (LEMT), ont répondu à un sondage sur Internet: a) les instruments et les techniques qu'ils utilisent , (B) les populations avec lesquelles ils travaillent, et (c) leur orientation théorique. Les résultats ont révélé des différences significatives entre les MEMT et les LEMT dans presque tous les domaines d'enquête. Généralement, la plupart des jeunes générations sont ouvertes à plus de techniques, maîtrisent plus d'instruments et utilisent plus de musique dans leur travail. Dans un monde continuellement en train de se mondialiser, les résultats de cette étude sont pertinents non seulement pour les musicothérapeutes israéliens, mais aussi pour d'autres, puisque la situation locale saisie dans cette étude peut être comparée et liée à la situation dans d'autres pays. Des recommandations sont fournies pour les endroits où de telles études et enquêtes n'ont pas encore été menées.Nel presente studio abbiamo condotto un sondaggio online sui musicoterapisti (MTs) in Israele, per la prima volta nel suo genere. Nonostante questo settore sia cresciuto rapidamente e ad oggi comprenda circa 700 MTs, non era ancora stato condotto un sondaggio indirizzato ai loro campi di interesse, ai loro orientamenti clinici e teorici. Un totale di 107 MTs, dei quali 48 avevano più di 8 anni di esperienza (MEMT) e 57 d meno di 8 anni (LEMT), ha risposto a un sondaggio internet esaminando: (a) gli strumenti e le tecniche che usano , (b) le popolazioni con cui lavorano, e (c) il loro orientamento teorico. I risultati hanno indicato differenze significative tra MEMTs e LEMTs in quasi tutti i campi di indagine. In generale, la maggior parte delle giovani generazioni è aperta a più tecniche, è abilitata a più strumenti, e usa più musica nel proprio lavoro. In un mondo di continua globalizzazione, i risultati di questo studio sono rilevanti non solo per i musicoterapisti israeliani, ma anche per gli altri, dal momento che la situazione locale rilevata in questo studio può essere confrontata e riferita alle situazioni di altri Paesi. Ciò è raccomandato per quei luoghi in cui tali studi d’indagine non sono ancora stati effettuati.In the present study we conducted a first of its kind online survey of music therapists (MTs) in Israel. Though this field has been growing rapidly and to date includes about 700 MTs, there was not yet a survey conducted to adress their fields of interest, and their clinical and theoretical orientations.A total of 107 MTs, 48 of which had more than 8 years of experience (MEMT) and 57 of which had less than 8 years of experience (LEMT), answered an internet survey examining: (a) the instruments and the techniques they use, (b) the populations they work with, and (c) their theoretical orientation. Results indicated significant differences between MEMTs and LEMTs in almost all fields of inquiry.Generally, most of the younger generation is open to more techniques, proficient with more instruments, and uses more music in their work. In a continuously globalizing world, the results of this study are relevant to not only Israeli music therapists, but others as well since the local situation captured in this study can be compared and related to the situations in other countries. Recommendations are provided for places where such studies and surveys have not yet been conducted.In der vorliegenden Studie führten wir eine Online-Umfrage von Musiktherapeuten (MTs) in Israel durch (die erste dieser Art). Obwohl das Feld schnell gewachsen ist und bis heute rund 700 MTs umfasst, wurde noch keine Umfrage durchgeführt, die sich mit ihren Interessenfelder und klinischen und theoretischen Orientierungen befasst. Insgesamt 107 MTs, von denen 48 mehr als 8 Jahre Erfahrung (MEMT) und 57 davon weniger als 8 Jahre Erfahrung (LEMT) hatten, beantworteten eine Internet-Befragung zu: a) den Instrumente und die Techniken, die sie verwenden , (B) den Populationen, mit denen sie arbeiten, und (c) ihrer theoretische Orientierung. Die Ergebnisse zeigten signifikante Unterschiede zwischen MEMTs und LEMTs in fast allen Untersuchungsfeldern. Im Allgemeinen sind die meisten der jüngeren Generation offen für mehr Techniken, kompetent mit mehr Instrumenten und nutzen mehr Musik in ihrer Arbeit. In einer kontinuierlich globalisierenden Welt sind die Ergebnisse dieser Studie nicht nur für israelische Musiktherapeuten relevant, sondern auch für andere, da die in dieser Studie eingefangene lokale Situation verglichen und mit den Situationen in anderen Ländern verknüpft werden könnte. Empfehlungen für Orte, an denen solche Studien und Erhebungen noch nicht durchgeführt wurden werden gegeben.この研究では、イスラエルにおける音楽療法士（MTs）に対するこの種の最初のオンライン調査を行った。この分野は急速に成長してきており、今日までに約700名の音楽療法士を擁するにいたっているが、彼らの関心の分野、臨床的及び理論的指向についての調査はなされてこなかった。 合計107名のMTのうち48名が8年以上の経験（MEMT）、57名が8年未満の経験(LEMT)を持っており、(a)使用する楽器や技法、(b)取り組んでいる対象者領域、(c)理論的指向についてのインターネット調査に回答した。その結果、MEMTとLEMTの間ではほとんどすべての質問領域において大きな相違が示された。全体的には、若い世代はより多くの技法に開かれており、より多くの楽器に熟達しており、より多くの音楽をその仕事に用いている。グローバル化を続ける世界において、この研究の結果はイスラエルの音楽療法士だけではなく他の地域にも言えることであろう。なぜならこの研究に示された局所的状況は、他の国々とも比較され、関係づけられ得るものだからである。こうした研究や調査がまだ行われていない地域への助言にも触れる

Reflections on Telehealth Music Therapy for Persons With Dementia in Response to Covid-19

Social distancing was a globally enforced safety precaution implemented in the face of the COVID 19 pandemic that led to isolation, especially among persons with dementia and their caregivers. This critical situation intensified the need to support this already vulnerable population. Many music therapists stepped up to this challenge by providing telehealth music therapy. However, telehealth raised new questions and presented ethical dilemmas. While telehealth is not new, it has not been widely practiced prior to the pandemic. As music therapists who have worked for many years with persons with dementia and their caregivers, we pause to reflect on the new path we took and share what we learned and can embrace from this modality of service provision. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved

Evaluating the Use of Music-assisted Caregiving Interventions by Certified Nursing Assistants Caring for Nursing Home Residents With Hiv-associated Neurocognitive Disorders and Depressive Symptoms: A Mixed-methods Study

In recent years, HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND) have become more common as people with HIV live longer due to advances in anti-retroviral medications. The symptoms of HAND are often associated with mild-to-severe cognitive impairment and depression, which may lead to burden and burnout among the certified nursing assistants (CNAs) of individuals with HAND. Music-based interventions provided by paid caregivers have been shown to have positive effects for people with cognitive impairments, depression, and HIV. However, little is known about the benefits of music-based interventions for people with HAND and depression. In this concurrent nested, mixed-methods experiment, 12 nursing home residents with HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders and depression participated in 4 weeks of music-assisted caregiving with 5 CNAs. The music-assisted caregiving intervention significantly decreased depressive symptoms among the residents and personal achievement improved among the CNAs. This study supports the effectiveness of the music-assisted caregiving intervention in reducing depressive symptoms among nursing home residents with HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders and provides directions for research to explore interdisciplinary approaches for people with HIV and related cognitive disorders further