Learning to use music as a resource: the experiences of people with dementia and their family care partners participating in a home-based skill-sharing music intervention: a HOMESIDE sub-study

Abstract

An increasing number of people with dementia receive informal care from family members to help them remain living in the community. Music therapy is particularly beneficial for supporting the wellbeing of people living with dementia. However, little is known about how music therapy might support people with dementia and their family care partners as dyads. This study explored the experiences of six dyads participating in a 12-week home-based skill-sharing music intervention facilitated by a music therapist. We examined their experiences during the intervention period and in the 3–6 months following. This study was conducted within a larger randomised control trial, HOMESIDE. Data was collected through video-recorded music-based interviews, participant diaries, and a semi-structured interview. Data was analysed using an abductive and relational-centred research approach in consideration of the Contextual Connection Model of Health Musicking for People Living with Dementia and Their Family Care Partners. The study found fifteen themes that describe dyads’ supported experiences of sharing music in their homes. These were organised into three global themes: (1) experiences were shaped by complex influences; (2) a connected musical ecosystem; and (3) music was a resource for wellbeing. This study highlighted the important role of personalised facilitation and the therapeutic relationship as dyads learned to use music as a resource through a process of trial and error. The implications for skill-sharing, indirect music therapy and direct music therapy practice are discussed.

The experiences of people living with dementia and their care partners participating in an online therapeutic songwriting program

“…Similar to other online music therapy programs, participants were able to join the project from remote locations overcoming logistical barriers such as transport and access ( Kelly, 2023 ; McMahon et al, 2023 ; Molyneaux et al, 2022 ; Stedje et al, 2023 ). However, we recognised an ethical dilemma, as not all people with dementia and their carers have access to the technology or the digital literacy required to independently take part in an online program.…”

“…However, developing therapeutic relationships may take more time than for in-person therapy, and technological limitations, such as audio delay and poor online resolution can detract from the therapeutic experience ( Krout et al, 2010 ). More recently, research has explored the feasibility of online music therapy programs incorporating songwriting with other methods (such as singing familiar songs, music listening, instrument playing, and moving to music) for people with dementia and their care partners ( Kelly, 2023 ; McMahon et al, 2023 ; Stedje et al, 2023 ). While these programs acknowledged the online format as an accessible and convenient alternative to in-person music therapy, technology was experienced as a barrier by some participants.…”

“…Previous music therapy research has specifically explored in-person therapeutic songwriting with people with dementia and care partners participating together ( Clark et al, 2020 , 2021 ) and online programs incorporating songwriting and other music therapy methods with people with dementia and their care partners ( Kelly, 2023 ; McMahon et al, 2023 ; Stedje et al, 2023 ). However, there is a gap in the research focusing on therapeutic songwriting with people with dementia and their care partners participating as a duo.…”