Music Therapy Instruments for Older Adults

How Freenotes outdoor musical instruments can be used to assist older adults to express themselves, improve cognitive skills, encourage social interactions and provide a fantastic opportunity for going outdoors to enjoy the open air.

Freenotes are not simply for children or young adults. Music is a familiar, natural, readily-accessible, and entertaining medium for all and playing Freenotes musical instruments can be equally therapeutic and rewarding for older adults in a number of different environments, including hospitals, nursing homes, rehabilitation centres, adult day centres, and hospices.

There are many ways Freenotes can be used to assist older adults to express themselves and in improving or maintaining their social skills, physical ability and cognitive skills. For example, older adults dependant on care from others may experience feelings of isolation, loneliness, and loss of dignity. Freenotes might be used in a group setting to encourage social interactions, acting as a springboard for reminiscence, conversation and sharing experiences among the group, perhaps building relationships that last beyond the music session.  In a one to one setting, a music therapist or carer might assist an individual to identify and express their feelings in effective ways.

 

‘The way they look and the way they sound are interesting.  They are easy to play with other people’  Doreen, a care home resident.

Music has the unique quality of being processed in both hemispheres of the brain, thereby making it very effective in helping those who have dementia, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, or individuals who may have suffered a stroke.  Using Freenotes during music therapy sessions can help to evoke verbal, emotional, and physical responses in individuals who may not have responded as such for a long period of time.  Rhythm and music can assist stroke sufferers achieve cognitive or physical improvements or help bring a smile to individuals with Alzheimer’s as they recall and communicate forgotten memories.

  "The chimes give a magical, mystical sound…the location adds to the magic – it’s like being in a fairy garden….” Helen, a care home resident.

 

 

Playing a musical instrument provides a non-verbal means of self-expression and communication and provides a purposeful activity and redirection for those who are agitated.  People who struggle to form sentences in conversation may easily sing an entire song, as long-term memory remains intact long after short-term memory begins to decline.

• Here are several suggestions for using Freenotes music to interact with older adults:
• Learn to play and sing to favourite songs together.
• Share musical talents and experiences, such as singing in a choir or playing an instrument.
• Invite children to sing or play. This may be especially helpful for children who are shy or awkward interacting in other ways with older people.

 

“My Grandson is learning drumming at school – he’ll certainly enjoy himself here!” Paul, a  care home resident.

So Freenotes and our range of music therapy instruments can be used in so many different ways, a fantastic opportunity for bringing people outdoors to enjoy the open air and giving them the opportunity to use their voices and bodies in a lively way!....So wrap up warm and step outside and lets get playing!

 

                                    

Music washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.  ~Berthold Auerbach