Citation

Whitcomb JB. Activ. Adapt. Aging 1994; 18(2): 57-74.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1994, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1300/J016v18n02_05

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

When the Music Therapy for Older Americans Act was signed in 1992, public recognition was given to the power of music to increase cognitive and psycho-social functioning and wellbeing in older Americans. Music therapy services can be provided only under the direction of accredited music therapists. Yet the benefits of music therapy are profound, and the need for therapeutic treatment for dementia residents so great that ways must be found to disseminate selected therapeutic goals that nurturing music and milieu can promote. Strategies suggested in this paper are among those that have been used successfully with dementia residents and can be facilitated by activity professionals, motivated caregivers and health care professionals to improve quality of life.