THE SOOTHING POWER OF MP3 MUSIC Ben Gatehouse Dementia Care Consultant Southern Cross Care (Vic)

BACKGROUND TO THIS PROJECT Community and residential staff and families wanting additional resources and strategies to:  Improve quality of life through leisure and lifestyle activities  Prevent, and or manage behaviours of concern (i.e. anxiety, restlessness, shadowing, persistent questioning)  Use music in a more individualised, person-centred way

MP3 PROJECT  Southern Cross Care (Vic) began using MP3 technology in community and residential care settings in late 2010  All clients / residents at different stages of dementia were eligible to participate  Dementia champions, care managers, regional and site managers were briefed about the project and referral staff / family feedback documents were developed

OUTCOMES  Reduces / prevents sundowning symptoms  Provides additional leisure activity  Increases respite period for carers  Improves cross generational exchange and relationships  Allows walking / wandering / activity  Reduces use of psychotropic medication at home and in residential care  May delay residential care placement

WHAT ELSE DID WE LEARN ?  Responses to the program differed between sites  The dementia champion is pivotal  Prejudging of clients / residents may result in some people missing the opportunity to be involved “Den became more relaxed, calmer and less anxious. This is a very pleasant surprise as Den was not one to enjoy music to any great extent previously.” (Carer)

RESEARCH PARTNERSHIP  In late 2011, SCC (Vic) will partner with La Trobe University to research the use of MP3 technology  Research will specifically look at the following: - evidence of reduced incidence and severity of behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia - quality of life - improved quality of life for carers