Embedded Files
Who: Primary Caregivers for Residents
Date/Duration of Interview: February 16, Approximately 30 Minutes.
Questions: What needs do you see in our community with music with the residents? Barriers?
What specific non-music needs do you see on the floor during the afternoon/evenings? Barriers?
What support does your staff need and at what time (during med pass, shift change, etc.)?
What have you previously tried that has worked and not worked and why?
What ability/bandwidth do you have to implement resources-- would something "plug and go" work best?
Materials a resident can do at their leisure? Something active they do or you do?
Are any residents restless late nights and do any get out of bed?
Thoughts after interview: What key needs did they reveal? What will be challenges? What music activities might work/not work?
Blog:
My service-learning project will be a multi-dimensional music program that meets the needs of the memory care residents and gives their caregivers support as well. Many of the residents have late-stage dementia but can still recall music lyrics, singers, and song names, and they clearly show other benefits from interacting with music. This project idea was substantiated through talking with primary caregivers on staff.
I approached the staff, asking them what music needs they see for the residents on the floor. Two of the women said that the residents had really enjoyed the iPods with music on them before they were stopped in 2020 with Covid concerns and that it would be good to start those back. Another staff member said that a calming music component, such as the sound of a waterfall, would be good, mentioning the previously discussed plans for a quiet room. Currently, the community frequently can go to live music downstairs on certain days; one staff member suggested having the same opportunity for residents who might need to stay upstairs for whatever reason. There have also been several people who have asked for help with dementia sundowning in residents in late afternoons since this period is particularly hard with shift changes and other nursing obligations that take staff from the residents then. Another staff member mentioned moments for dancing would be good and music instrument classes. I also spoke with a resident who said that she would love more opportunities for listening to music, maybe getting to play a musical instrument, and even more dance opportunities. Finally, I also took some time to speak directly with one of the nurses on the floor.
This nurse mentioned late afternoon bingo, saying that one resident in particular asks for it. I mentioned to her that we already have bingo three times in the week before she arrives but that we could possibly do more games. Management is trying to get away from bingo as much, for more variety in social programming. She also mentioned that dancing opportunities would be good as well. She also confirmed that, although we have instrumentalists come to the floor, having more singing would be good. This goes back to the need raised by the staff member who asked for more live entertainment like what is downstairs. In closing, I asked this nurse about residents who are restless at night and if there are those who get out of bed? She said sometimes one or two do. She wrapped up her remarks by saying that the period between 3:30pm and 5:30pm is a period that could use more help. The residents’ dinner is at 6:00pm.
After talking to staff members about needs, the program will have three components (general activity categories) that will be accomplished this semester, including listening devices that can be used as a one-on-one activity and even part of a resident’s regular individual plan as a calming technique or engagement; more live entertainment, specifically, targeting the sundowning period when restlessness kicks in with residents and staffing deals with shift changes; and, finally, more performance opportunities, such as music instrument lessons and safe opportunities for dancing.
I will seek feedback from the staff on this progress throughout the development of the program. However, there will be several things I will look for to measure its effectiveness. First, I will see if the sundowning period is better, with less complaints from staff and the nursing director about behavior challenges, through more regular live entertainment and the use of the devices. I will monitor how effective the IPOD devices are. Also, I will see if the music instrument lessons get positive feedback and, possibly, how more dance opportunities are received. In the end, the staff are going to have to hold up their end of the bargain, by using the resources with residents. The devices, for one, are not going to work if the staff are not diligent with giving them out at the designated times.
Looking toward the future, if all of this is successful, I hope to investigate the worth of finding ways for residents to interact with aspiring music therapy students and to learn from them. I feel this will be advantageous to both parties, but want to get others’ opinions. Also, moving toward the long-term goal of a physical interactive music space, I would like to create opportunities for tactile stimulation which staff has mentioned the need for more of. I am excited about this music program coming into fruition and getting to assess its worth.
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