Music Therapy

Transcript of Interview: “Music Therapy”

Mike Barnes:

There are so many factors when you’re taking care of your loved one, trying to help them feel better, and in some ways, be back to their old self. Music is a big key.

Kim Barnes:

Absolutely, and I’m excited to introduce you to Meredith Hamons. She is a board-certified music therapist and the owner of North Austin Music Therapy. Thanks so much for being with us today.

Meredith Hamons:

Thanks for having me.

Kim Barnes:

Let’s just start with why is music so important for our aging loved ones?

Meredith Hamons:

Music’s really important because of the way that it’s processed in the brain. Music is actually the only sensory input that’s processed in all areas of the brain simultaneously. There are a lot of implications for all kinds of skill areas in incorporating music, but specifically, what we see with the aging process is that musical skills remain intact longer and out of proportion with just general functioning skills. With aging and especially with dementia, there’s undeniable decline. It’s not that music can reverse that decline or stop it, but typically, we see that a loved one’s general level of functioning might be here, but their functioning with music is here. Even as the decline happens, music can always be a step above what they’re doing without it.

Classically, everyone has seen footage of someone in long-term care who doesn’t recall any memories or has trouble carrying on a conversation. They hear a song they know and love and suddenly sing all the words, and then the memories come flying out. There’s some different theories about why that happens. A lot of it has to do with music being stored in the amygdala in the center of the brain. We know that music memories are highly salient, occurring throughout our lives. Even when they can’t verbally share full sentences or complete thoughts, we still see them respond to the rhythm and music.

Mike Barnes:

I mentioned to my dad that we were going to be doing this interview, and he said that every time he visits my mom at the memory care place, there’s always music being played.

Kim Barnes:

Exactly, and chances are it’s old music from her day.

Mike Barnes:

Hopefully some Elvis for her.

Kim Barnes:

Exactly. 

Mike Barnes:

My mom loves Elvis. 

Kim Barnes:

Let’s talk a little bit about what music therapy actually is.

Meredith Hamons:

I’m a board-certified music therapist, which means I’ve done training, internships, and I have to re-certify every five years. We’re trained in how to use music to achieve non-musical goals. When we’re working with a client, we’re not trying to turn them into a good singer or drummer. We’re actively engaging them with music, but our ultimate goal is something non-musical. It might be improved cognitive skills, emotional expression, or motor coordination, depending on the client. Music is the tool we use to reach those goals.

For example, if we’re doing drumming, we’re probably working on motor goals or crossing midline. From clients’ perspectives, it’s a lot of fun because they get to play drums, instruments, dance, and sing. It’s really quite an enjoyable form of therapy.

Kim Barnes:

What are some of the things that we can do at home with our loved ones?

Meredith Hamons:

This is something I’m hugely passionate about, and I think all the therapists at my company are too. We love working with clients and, of course, we want everyone to hire us, but there aren’t enough music therapists to go around. There is so much you can do on your own at home. A lot of people get nervous about musical abilities, but we live in a day and age where everything is available on the internet. You can get on Spotify, YouTube, iTunes, Amazon, and access music from anywhere. Even if you can’t sing well, you can still pull up their favorite music, hum along, and encourage them to move.

It’s really meaningful to have that personal connection, and it matters more than how well you sing.

Mike Barnes:

Don’t pick on me. I’m a great singer.

Kim Barnes:

Well, okay. Good thing we have the internet. How can music actually benefit the caregiver as well?

Meredith Hamons:

There are huge benefits because dealing with Alzheimer’s and dementia can be very frustrating. Your loved one knows they’re forgetting things, and it can cause anxiety and depression as they struggle to connect to their past and the people around them. As caregivers, we see behaviors that come out of that frustration, which can be challenging. Sometimes, something as simple as needing them to get in the car to go to the doctor’s office can become a major ordeal.

When you bring music into it, it can ease that anxiety and confusion, making it easier to do basic activities. A study found that compliance during bathing routines went way up when caregivers sang during the process. This wasn’t a music therapist or a trained singer; it was just regular caregivers singing. It helps make loved ones happier and more relaxed, which has a ripple effect on the caregiver’s frustration levels.

Kim Barnes:

I think it’s if you think about it just like with children, when you hear music, you just can’t help but react most of the time.

Meredith Hamons:

Yes, there’s nothing more powerful than music. It affects us from birth all the way through end-of-life care. I’ve seen it with my own children and with people at the end of life. Music is something we respond to innately and naturally, from birth to the end of life.

Mike Barnes:

It seems like one of the first things we need to do as caregivers is figure out a good playlist. My mom loves Elvis and the Statler Brothers, but if I tried Iron Maiden, it just wouldn’t work.

Meredith Hamons:

Yes, preferred music is best. Ask your loved one what kind of music they like. If they can’t recall, you can talk to other family members or caregivers. Start making a list of songs that generate a strong response. Write down songs and the memories they evoke because the time will come when they can’t remember, but you’ll have it documented.

If all else fails, guess and check. Start with music that was popular when they were between the ages of 18 to 25, and try music from their parents’ or caregivers’ era too. This usually gives you a good starting place.

Kim Barnes:

You have a book that goes through some of these ideas, right?

Meredith Hamons:

Yes, I co-authored a book with two other therapists here in Texas called Music, Memory, and Meaning. The first section talks about tips and strategies for creating an effective music listening experience. The middle section has recommended playlists broken down by genre and decade. The last part of the book has 111 one-page sessions with background information, simple movements, visual prompts, and discussion questions. Our goal was to make it easy for caregivers to use, even when they’re exhausted and stressed out.

Kim Barnes:

That’s awesome. Great tips. We really appreciate it.

Meredith Hamons:

Thank you so much for having me.

Mike Barnes:

Who knew that music could bring up such memories and responses? It’s true that children respond to it, and we all respond to it. It’s a win-win if it can help our loved ones enjoy themselves and make caregiving easier.

Kim Barnes:

Great tips.

Mike Barnes:

 If you have any topics you’d like us to discuss and do an interview about, let us know.

Parenting Aging Parents.

*This transcript is auto-generated. Please excuse any typos or mistakes