Caregivers face a host of challenges when caring for clients with dementia, including challenges associated with bathing. Some clients experience agitation severe enough that a seemingly straightforward activity such as bathing can become a stressful ordeal for both the client and the caregiver. Using music to soothe anxiety can be an effective intervention to assist with lessening this agitation.
Drawing from research on the therapeutic benefits of music for people with dementia, two American researchers (Kendra D. Ray and Suzanne Fitzsimmons) have sought to provide a practical guide for music-assisted bathing for individuals with dementia.
The researchers suggest the following steps should be taken to successfully conduct a music assisted bathing protocol:
Step one: determine whether the client’s mood would likely be affected using music. For instance, a client who gets agitated while bathing but also likes music may see benefit.
Step two: create a personalized play list that considers the cultural background, tempo, volume and the mood of the client with dementia (do not select music that evokes negative emotions). The authors suggest consulting with nursing home staff, in addition to input from the client, to get a sense of the client’s favourite music. I would add that family could also be a valuable resource in this regard.
Step three: safety must be considered. For instance, a portable battery powered music player (not connected to a wall outlet) placed in a waterproofed area should be used.
Ideally, music should be set up anywhere the client prepares for bathing and where the bathing takes place. Advise the client that music will be playing during this time and pay attention to the client’s verbal and non-verbal cues to adjust the music as needed.
The use of music-assisted bathing can lessen agitation and improve the mood of the client, as well as increase job satisfaction for the caregiver. The authors rightly describe this as a win-win.
Reference
Ray, Kendra D. and Fitzsimmons, Suzanne (2021). Music-Assisted Bathing: Making Shower Time Easier for People with Dementia. Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 40:2. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24550123/