‘In tune’ with residents’ wellbeing

A new music therapy program at Victoria’s Villa Maria’s Berwick aged care residence is hitting the right note with seniors.

Music and diversional therapist, Anna Kijek (pictured), began her role at the not-for-profit aged and disability services organisation in May, and has seen some fantastic results for residents.

Ms Kijek spends one-on-one time with each resident, getting to know their individual psychological, cognitive, emotional, cultural and social needs and assessing what kinds of musical activities could help improve their wellbeing.

Music sessions, which are conducted on an individual or group basis, include live music, sing-alongs, movements to music and musical quizzes and games.

“Music is particularly effective because it speaks immediately to people’s emotions,” Ms Kijek explains.

“It is a kind of non-verbal language which can evoke reminiscence, express emotions and help to communicate people’s feelings without words. Music works in a specifically effective way for people living with dementia; it can calm people who are agitated, reduce wandering, improve self-esteem, and stimulate memories and emotions.”

Berwick centre manager, Linda Wallace, says the music program is a valued component of care for residents.

“We have a lady who is living with dementia and a couple of weeks ago when Ms Kijek played the portable organ, she began singing old Hungarian songs. It was just lovely to see and she enjoyed the fact that Ms Kijek could speak her language and play appropriate songs. This created a wonderful connection for the lady who otherwise tends to wander and not socially engage with others,” Ms Wallace says.

Ms Kijek’s ability to speak several different languages has enabled her to connect more effectively with culturally diverse residents, and she claims a person’s musical ability also appears to be retained long after other capabilities deteriorate.

“Words of once-loved songs may be sung sometimes spontaneously, even when ordinary speech has become impaired. Music can also trigger sad recollections.  But once these negative emotions have been released, it usually creates a positive and calming effect,” she says.

According to Ms Kijek, music combined with physical exercise also appears to be effective, with marching and stamping to music improving blood circulation and leg strength.

She adds she looks forward to continuing her work with the residents; a job she finds personally rewarding.

“It makes me feel close and connected to people because it’s on such an emotional level.”

Missed our story on aged care’s ‘singing duo’ Kathryn Nelson and Christine Bell? Click here.