While caregivers and their loved ones can participate in music therapy separately, they can also participate in sessions together. Research suggests that music therapy interventions specifically designed to meet the needs of both caregivers and care recipients can be effective in supporting the quality of the dyad’s relationship, as well as the quality of life and overall well-being for both individuals. While much of the research focuses on individuals with dementia and their caregivers, these positive results may still be found among caregiver/recipient dyads in other health situations.

Example #1: Group Therapeutic Songwriting

In a 2020 research study, individuals with dementia and their family caregivers participated together in group therapeutic songwriting (described in more detail under the “Music Therapy for Caregiver Support” tab). As a whole, the participants reported the experience to be worthwhile and enjoyable, with positive effects for each participant individually as well as their relationship with one another. Some identified benefits included:

  • Feelings of joy, pride, achievement, and motivation
  • The opportunity for a positive social experience
  • Support for relationships
  • Ability for the caregiver to witness their loved one enjoying the process

In this example, the support from the music therapist was vital in the success of the group. Participants reported how the therapist’s leadership made the songwriting process seem much easier and allowed for everyone to be included. This example shows the value of a professional music therapist who is trained in using music for therapeutic effects.

Example #2: Virtual Music Therapy for Couples 

Another example from research is found in a recent study involving online music therapy for individuals with dementia and their spousal caregivers. Sessions involved singing, dancing, movement, and music listening, with goals of increasing self-expression and alleviating stress. The music therapist structured their sessions according to each couple’s preferences, reactions, and overall mood. Two overarching results emerged from this study that highlight the efficacy of music therapy for the couples.

  • Result #1: Music therapy helped rekindle the couples’ past relationships with one another.
    • Music therapy helped the individuals re-experience their relationships with their loved ones as spouses rather than just caregivers/recipients.
    • Music therapy strengthened the couples’ current relationships, allowing them to enjoy an activity that had not been possible before due to the dementia.
    • Communicating through songs helped the individuals express their feelings to their spouses.
  • Result #2: The music therapist helped the spouses cope with challenges in their everyday caregiving lives.
    • The music therapist provided each caregiver with instructions for using music outside of the therapy sessions.
    • Some caregivers reported that playing music playlists of favorite songs during the week helped their loved ones through lessening boredom and irritability, generating interest, and soothing and distracting from restlessness.
    • The music therapist listened to the caregivers’ needs and desires rather than just the individuals with dementia. This allowed caregivers to open up and feel heard.
    • One caregiver reported that the music therapist helped them feel more patient and able to handle difficulties in caregiving. 

Combined Music Therapy Testimonies

Learning about the results of music therapy directly from a music therapist can be a helpful way to grasp the efficacy of music therapy. A 2019 research study includes a music therapist’s account of caregivers and recipients with dementia who participated in music therapy together. The music therapist individualized the sessions for each client set, using familiar songs, instrument play, music listening, and improvisation as appropriate. During the sessions, all clients demonstrated increased engagement levels, and most reported improved wellbeing and relationship dynamics. Importantly, the music therapist shared detailed accounts of the results of music therapy for two of these dyads.

The first couple consists of Andrew, the care recipient with Alzheimer’s disease, and Julia, his wife and full-time caregiver. 

For Andrew, the music therapy:

  • Helped calm his restlessness
  • Lifted his mood and sustained it beyond the session
  • Encouraged smiles, laughter, eye contact, and singing
  • Increased his awareness
  • Stimulated language and communication
  • Prompted release of pent-up energy

For Julia, the music therapy:

  • Allowed her to see “sparks of the old Andrew”
  • Encouraged her to sing with Andrew outside of sessions and invite other visitors to do the same
  • Improved her emotional state
  • Decreased the level of stress caused by Andrew’s distressing behaviors and care requirements
  • Helped her feel more in control 

The second couple consists of Anne, the care recipient with vascular dementia, and Leonard, her husband and caregiver.

For Anne, the music therapy:

  • Increased her confidence, initiative, and spontaneity
  • Enthused and animated her
  • Sparked recognition and affection for her husband, expressed through words and touch
  • Reduced her agitation and anxiety 

For Leonard, the music therapy

  • Helped him gain confidence and enjoyment in singing
  • Allowed him to engage with music in new ways that were enjoyable for him
  • Prompted humor, affection, and reminiscence between Anne and himself
  • Provided vital emotional support
  • Improved his wellbeing

With help from the music therapist, the caregivers in both couples were able to continue using music with their loved ones outside of the sessions. Results of this continued engagement with music included:

  • Reduced agitation
  • Increased frequency of visits from family and friends
  • New ways to engage and connect with the loved one

These examples demonstrate how caregivers and their loved ones participating in music therapy sessions together can positively impact both individuals. Through music therapy, individual needs can be addressed and relationships can be strengthened. 

 

References

Clark, I. N., Stretton-Smith, P. A., Baker, F. A., Lee, Y.-E. C., & Tamplin, J. (2020). “It’s feasible to write a song”: A feasibility study examining group therapeutic songwriting for people living with dementia and their family caregivers. Frontiers in Psychology, 11, 1951. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2020.01951 

Dassa, A. (2024). Meeting through music: online music-therapy sessions for people with dementia and their spouses. GeroPsych, 37(1), 15–24. https://doi.org/10.1024/1662-9647/a000320 

Melhuish, R., Grady, M., & Holland, A. (2019). Mindsong, music therapy and dementia care: Collaborative working to support people with dementia and family carers at home. British Journal of Music Therapy (London, England : 1995), 33(1), 16–26. https://doi.org/10.1177/1359457519834302