The benefits of caregiver singing and receptive music in dementia care: a qualitative study of professional caregivers’ experiences

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background For persons with dementia, receptive music may reduce negative expressions and increase positive ones. Caregiver singing (CS) is an intervention aimed at facilitating care situations and involves caregivers singing for or together with persons with dementia during care activities. In the literature, CS is commonly addressed as a music activity rather than a care intervention. The aim was to describe caregivers’ experiences of the reactions of persons with dementia when using CS and receptive music in dementia care. Method The data comprised three focus group interviews with 12 professional caregivers in dementia care, analysed using qualitative content analysis. Results the analysis resulted in two themes: “CS increases interaction and builds companionship” and “Receptive music soothes, awakens memories and reflects the person’s self”. Conclusion Both CS and receptive music was shown to have positive influences, and while the results were sometimes intertwined, CS was shown to better facilitate problematic care situations.