Senior Care News

Elderly Care in Garden Oaks, TX – Music-Centered Activities

Elderly Care in Garden Oaks, TXSome music games are great fun to play when you have a few seniors gathered together. One of them is name that tune. Choose some popular music from bygone eras and play a little bit of each song. The first one to name the tune wins. You can also split into teams, making sure musicians are spread evenly between the teams.

Game ideas involving music

Another variation of the above game is to have some musical instruments of all sorts and have the team members attempt to play a line or two of a song and the other team has to guess the song.

Music is enjoyed by people of all ages. For the elderly they especially enjoy classics from bygone eras. Music has a very beneficial therapy aspect to it and it can liven up the mood and help bring old memories back to the forefront.

Sing-alongs are also great fun. You could use a karaoke machine or simply play the music to popular songs from their generation and hand out the printed words so they can follow along.

Music lessons are a great option too

Don’t discount music lessons for the elderly. A person can learn to play some notes and simple tunes at any age. In fact research has verified that learning to play a new instrument helps keep the brain exercised and in good shape for a longer time. There are many inexpensive instruments you can buy or make that don’t take years to learn how to play. Hanging pipes, bells, harmonica, recorder, simple flutes, pan pipes, xylophone, and many more are good options.

Listening to classical and diverse music

Listening to classical music while they quietly visit or during meal time or while doing a craft is a nice way to add some more music. While you or your elderly loved one are relaxing or taking a rest, some soft classical music in the background is very relaxing and therapeutic.

For some interest, introduce your loved one to music from other cultures and other countries. Often it is made with different musical instruments, so there is a wide diversity of sounds to listen to.

Music benefits for those with Alzheimer’s or dementia

Music therapy is especially beneficial to seniors with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. If you notice a song that agitates them, don’t play it anymore. Otherwise, they will often recognize songs of their generation and you will see a happy face and they will even sway or move to the music. Just make sure the music isn’t too loud and that it’s not distracting them from something they need to be doing, like eating.

An elderly care provider can give your elderly loved one the help they need with everyday tasks. Cooking nutritious meals and finding meaningful activities for your loved one are included.

If you have a loved one who could benefit from the help of elderly care in Garden Oaks, TX contact the caregivers at At Your Side Home Care. We help seniors and their families with many levels of home care service. Call (832) 271-1600 for more information.

Donna Wrabel, LMSW

Recent Posts

Categories

Contact Us About Home Care

Skip to content