“We were evacuated during the war (World War II) when we were children. When we were in the bunker my mom would sing songs to me at night” – A resident often would recount in my music therapy groups.
In an exploratory mixed-methods study, Lisa Kelly and Bill Ahessy (2021) explored reminiscence-focused music therapy. This article inspired me to write a post about this topic and also to incorporate their suggestions, such as associative items, into my music therapy groups. While reminiscence naturally arises in almost all groups I do, the idea of adding associative items and other senses into the sessions is indeed exciting. This is the abstract of their article, broken into shorter paragraphs for ease of reading:
“Although there is a growing body of evidence suggesting that combining music therapy and reminiscence in a structured and complementary way may yield positive well-being outcomes for people with dementia, there is a gap in the literature combining both in equal measure. Furthermore, there are no known studies exploring the use of ‘associative items’ as part of the combined intervention and no known standardised protocol or method currently exists.
This mixed methods study aims to explore whether combining music therapy and reminiscence with associative items for people with dementia may promote positive mood and engagement levels and shared interaction through (a) musical expression, (b) reminiscence and (c) verbal interaction. Five weekly reminiscence-focused music therapy (RFMT) sessions with associative items were conducted with a group of five people with dementia living in a residential care unit.
Results from the Dementia Care Mapping (DCM) revealed that the RFMT intervention was highly effective in promoting positive mood and engagement levels and shared interaction. Participants exhibited considerable positive mood and engagement (+3) 51.6%, and high positive mood and engagement (+5) 38.2%, of the total time observed. The three most frequent behaviours across the five RFMT sessions included musical expression, which was observed 53.2% of the time, reminiscence, observed 23% of the time, and verbal interaction, observed 34% of the total time observed.
Data from the music therapist’s reflective journal and session summaries revealed that the associative items prompted reality orientation, verbal interaction, and cognitive stimulation. The music elements were found to increase group cohesion, stimulate cognition, and act as an anchor, re-orientating group members intermittently. Implications of practice are considered, and future recommendations of practice are outlined.”
Their quantitative and qualitative data speak clearly to the benefits of reminiscence-focused music therapy and using associative times.
What is Reminiscence-Focused Music Therapy?
Reminiscence-Focused Music Therapy (RFMT) is a specialized approach to group therapy that utilizes music, along with other sensory stimuli, to facilitate the recall and sharing of meaningful memories among older adults. This person-centered approach aims to promote emotional well-being, social engagement, and a sense of identity by tapping into the power of music to evoke and explore personal histories.
At its core, RFMT recognizes that music holds a unique ability to trigger autobiographical memories, evoking feelings, sights, and sounds from an individual’s past. By incorporating familiar songs, instruments, and other associative items, the therapist can allow participants to connect with cherished moments and experiences that have shaped their lives through all of their senses.
The Benefits of RFMT
The use of RFMT with older adults can offer a range of benefits, including:
- Improved mood and reduced symptoms of depression
- Enhanced social interaction and communication
- Increased feelings of self-worth and identity
- Reduced agitation and anxiety
- Improved cognitive function and memory recall
- Strengthened connections between caregivers and care recipients
By tapping into the emotional and cognitive power of music, RFMT provides a therapeutic avenue for older adults to explore their personal narratives, share their stories, and find meaning and purpose in their lives.
Implementing RFMT: Tips and Strategies
Effectively implementing RFMT requires a thoughtful and personalized approach. Here are some key tips and strategies to consider:
Personalize the Music Selection
- Carefully curate a playlist of songs that are meaningful and familiar to the group, drawing from the participants’ preferred genres and eras.
- Do not be disappointed if group members cannot come up with additional songs by themselves, sometimes gentle suggestions evoke memories and reminiscence.
Incorporate Associative Items
- Use physical objects, photographs, or other sensory stimuli that can trigger memories and facilitate discussion.
- Incorporate the use of scents, textures, and other sensory experiences to enhance the reminiscence process.
Foster a Supportive Environment
- Create a safe and comfortable space where participants feel free to share their stories and emotions.
- Encourage active listening and empathetic responses from the group.
- Be prepared to provide emotional support and validation as participants revisit potentially difficult memories.
Encourage Participation and Engagement
- Utilize a variety of music-based activities, such as singing, instrument playing, or movement, to keep participants actively engaged.
- Provide opportunities for individual and group sharing, allowing participants to connect with one another.
- Be flexible and responsive to the group’s needs and interests, adjusting the session as necessary.
Document and Reflect
- Keep detailed notes on the participants’ responses, insights, and any notable changes over time.
- Engage in regular self-reflection and supervision to ensure the continued effectiveness of the RFMT approach.
- Consider incorporating pre- and post-session assessments to measure the impact of the therapy.
Conclusion
Reminiscence-Focused Music Therapy offers a powerful and holistic approach to supporting the emotional, social, and cognitive well-being of older adults. By harnessing the evocative power of music, therapists can facilitate the exploration of personal histories, foster social connections, and promote a sense of identity and purpose.
Sources
- Istvandity, L. (2017). Combining music and reminiscence therapy interventions for wellbeing in elderly populations: A systematic review.
- Brancatisano, O., et al. (2023). Music Therapy Enhances Episodic Memory in Alzheimer’s and Healthy Older Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial.
- Gerbaudo-González, N., et al. (2023). The Case of Emobook App in Reminiscence focused Music Therapy.
- Engelbrecht, R., et al. (2024). Reminiscence Therapy and Music With Older Adults: A Descriptive Mixed-Method Study.
- Kelly, L. & Ahessy, B. (2021). Reminiscence-Focused Music Therapy to Promote Positive Mood and Engagement and Shared Interaction for People Living With Dementia: An Exploratory Study. Voices: A World Forum for Music Therapy, 21(2). https://doi.org/10.15845/voices.v21i2.3139[1]
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