Citation

Mathews RM, Clair AA, Kosloski K. Activ. Adapt. Aging 2001; 24(4): 41-49.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2001, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1300/J016v24n04_04

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

This study analyzed the effects of a brief in-service training workshop designed to teach activity aides how to use music therapy techniques. Sixteen persons with dementia, living in a nursing home special care unit, served as the research participants. Results showed that training conducted with activity aides significantly increased resident engagement with rhythm instruments in both one-on-one interactions and in group activity situations. Similar increases were observed in residents with a range of cognitive impairments. These results suggest that this intervention offers a potentially promising approach that indigenous staff can use to engage residents with dementia in purposeful activities.