Music Therapy

One of our favorite activities at Fairbrook Grove Assisted Living Home in Mesa AZ is Music Therapy.

We are so blessed to have people and groups who like to come and share their musical talents with us. We have had Elvis impersonators, children's choirs, families, professional groups and more come and perform or sing with our residents. It is amazing how much our residents can remember when we sing songs and music they recognize!

Loved ones with Alzheimer's disease can struggle to communicate or feel anxious in their current mental state. When music is played that they remember, it can provide emotional and behavioral benefits for people with different forms of dementia. Research has shown that musical memories are often preserved in Alzheimer's disease because key brain areas linked to musical memory are relatively undamaged by the disease.

Here are some questions that we ask at Fairbrook Grove Assisted Living Home in using music to help our residents:

What kind of music do they like?

What music might remind them of happy times or memories?

How can we create a positive calm environment where they can focus better and enjoy life more?

It’s important to pay attention to our residents’ responses and see what types of music therapy or particular songs bring positive reactions. Encouraging movement like clapping or dancing can help them feel the beat and enjoy the music more. Singing along with our elderly can create a special memory during this season of their life.

We have had some amazing experiences with our residents and their friends and family with Music Therapy. Music can help regulate mood. Because of its rhythmic and repetitive aspects, music engages the parts of our brain that calms us. To alter mood states, Music Therapy slowly shifts to a more positive mood or calm state.

The Fairbrook Grove Management Team