BackMusic & Recreational Therapy for Quality of Life
Article submitted by Maren Ernstrom, MT-BC specializing in Geriatrics. Maren has been an MT for ten years and has worked for SDCH for four years. The South Davis Community Hospital Campus is located in Bountiful Utah and can be reached at 801-295-2361.
What is Music Therapy?
Music Therapy is the use of music interventions for the accomplishment of non-musical goals. Music therapy can be designed to promote wellness, manage stress, alleviate pain, enhance memory, improve communication, and provide unique opportunities for interaction. Research results and clinical experiences attest to the viability of music therapy even with those who are resistive to other treatment. Music is sensory stimulation, which provokes responses due to the familiarity, predictability, and feelings of security.
What is Recreational Therapy?
The primary purpose of Recreational Therapy services is to provide recreational opportunities in order to improve health, well-being, quality of life, and improve or maintain functioning, as well as reduce the effects of illness or disability. Expressive art, horticulture, reality orientation, reminiscing, sensory stimulation, humor, socialization, and physical activity are implemented to improve all areas of functioning. Research supports the concept that people with active, satisfying lifestyles will be happier and healthier.
With consistent work and therapy residents can see significant difference with:
- Memory recall, which contributes to reminiscence and satisfaction with life
- Positive changes in mood and emotional states
- Sense of control over life through successful experiences
- Awareness of self and environment
- Structure
- Movement and exercise to help maintain physical functioning
- Cognitive stimulation
- A means for self expression
- Fun
There are many excellent facilities in the state of Utah which provide care for patients with Alzheimer's disease and dementia. The South Davis Community Hospital (SDCH) campus believes in the benefits of this therapy so much that they provide a full time recreation/music therapy department - Board Certified Music Therapist (MT-BC). The SDCH recreation/music therapy department strives each month, to plan a calendar of events, to meet the individual and group needs of the residents with their current level of functioning.