Music Therapy for Seniors Elizabeth Hampshire, NMT, MT-BC September, 2013

What is Music Therapy?  Music Therapy is the clinical use of music interventions to accomplish individualized goals within a therapeutic relationship.  Individual sessions  Group sessions  Multi-generational group sessions

What Does Music Therapy Help?  Music Therapy helps clients improve their non-musical skills Communication Motor Cognitive Social Emotional

Music Therapy Process  Assessment  Treatment  Data Evaluation  Evaluation

What is Neurologic Music Therapy?  Neurologic Music Therapy (NMT) is an advanced form of music therapy that uses research-based techniques to treat the brain and nervous system.  NMT is the therapeutic application of music to cognitive, sensory and motor dysfunction for rehabilitation, development or adaptation.  These standardized clinical techniques are used for sensorimotor, speech and language and cognition training.

How Do Seniors Benefit from Music Therapy? Senior citizens benefit greatly from music therapy intervention. Here are just a few improvements noted by existing clients and their spouses and families:  Better awareness and concentration  Enhances interest levels and social interaction  Improves memory and recall  Happier outlook on life and higher self-esteem  Increases mobility and coordination  Diminishes pain and improves recovery time  Reduces tension and promotes relaxation

What Happens in a Music Therapy Session?  Treatment may include creating, singing, moving with, and listening to music.  Clients’ abilities are strengthened through the musical experiences and transferred to other areas of their lives.  Singing  Instrument Playing  Movement  Lyric Discussion

Music Therapy Services of Greater Atlanta