Every other Saturday since June 2024, board-certified music therapist Laura Fehr has visited the residents at the Legacy Court Memory Care at Meadowview of Davenport.
“They are such a delight!” Laura says of the residents.
What is Music Therapy?
According to the American Music Therapy Association, “Music therapy is the clinical and evidence-based use of music interventions to accomplish individualized goals within a therapeutic relationship by a credentialed professional who has completed an approved music therapy program. Music therapy interventions can address a variety of healthcare and educational goals, and many can benefit from music therapy services.”
Laura says she works with residents on communication, cognition, physical and social-emotional skills.
Tracking Progress
During the first session, Laura completed an assessment of the residents and has been tracking progress ever since.
“We have been working toward the goals of improving cognitive functioning, improving social interaction and improving mood by feeling of accomplishment and self-expression,” Laura says.
She tracks progress by asking questions before and after each session.
“The residents report feeling in a more positive state after music therapy, stating that it was pleasant or they feel good or comfortable,” Laura says.
She has seen other signs of improvement, as well.
“They typically begin to improve participation, look to other residents, reminisce about life experiences, sing along and accurately recall lyrics,” Laura says. “I use music as the tool in our session to work toward these goals, using therapeutic singing, lyric recall (leaving out lyrics and lyrical phrases for them to fill in), reminiscing, etc.”
Benefits of Music Therapy
According to the American Music Therapy Association, music therapy can address a variety of healthcare and educational goals, including:
- Promote Wellness
- Manage Stress
- Alleviate Pain
- Express Feelings
- Enhance Memory
- Improve Communication
- Promote Physical Rehabilitation
Meadowview of Davenport is proud to support memory care tenants by providing this beneficial activity.