Finding the key to communion – Caregivers’ experience of ‘music therapeutic caregiving’ in dementia care : A qualitative analysis

• ‘Music therapeutic caregiving’ (MTC), when caregivers sing for or together with persons with dementia (PWDs) during caring situations, has been suggested as a way to reduce PWDs’ behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD). An intervention was designed to elucidate what influences MTC might have on PWDs and their caregivers. The aim was to describe professional caregiverś experiences of caring for PWDs during morning care situations without and with MTC. Group interviews were conducted, and a qualitative content analysis was performed. Two themes were revealed. The first (without MTC), Struggling for care in communion, encompassed four sub-themes: Hampered communication; Physical and mental struggle with aggression; Struggling with ethical demands; and The reward — consolation and love. The second theme (with MTC), Consolidating care in communion, encompassed two sub-themes: awakening cooperation, and feeling of well-being. The authors conclude that MTC could be used to help caregivers provide improved care.

Subject headings

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Hälsovetenskap -- Omvårdnad (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Health Sciences -- Nursing (hsv//eng)

Keyword

caregiver

dementia

intervention

qualitative content analysis

singing

Care Sciences within Health and Welfare

vårdvetenskap inom området hälsa och välfärd

Publication and Content Type

ref (subject category)

art (subject category)