Individualised music for people living with dementia and the experiences and perceptions of residential aged care staff: A qualitative study.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE\nTo explore the experiences and perceptions of staff regarding the use of individualised music for people with dementia living in residential aged care.\n\n\nMETHODS\nA qualitative descriptive methodology was used. Methods included a focus group and face-to-face interviews, open-ended responses to a pre-post survey and relevant clinical notes about older participants responses. Qualitative content analysis was used to analyse data.\n\n\nRESULTS\nThere were four themes: (1) transcendental reminiscing, the calm, the joy and the elation; (2) optimism, excitement and the snowball effect; (3) pitching in for older person, it is not rocket science and the hurdles; and (4) music beyond the intervention.\n\n\nCONCLUSIONS\nOverall, the individualised music was a generally positive experience. While some older participants reported discomfort with the use of headphones, staff concerns related to care and accessibility of music equipment.