Therapeutic Uses of Music With Older Adults

Rating:
Summary: This book is an excellent resource tool.
Review: This book examines the practical uses of music as a therapeutic intervention for older adults having health care needs and disabilities, and to promote wellness for the healthy older person. It is a very accessible guide for the professional clinician, caregiver and layman. The described music applications and approaches are easy to read and comprehend. These include using music for wellness, using music with people with dementia of the Alzheimer's type, Parkinson's disease, stroke and cardiac disease, using music to manage problem behaviors, using music for stress management, relaxation, pain control, physical exercise, physical rehabilitation and spirituality, and using music with caregivers. I personally use this book many times over. It is an excellent resource tool. When giving a workshop about the uses of music for persons with dementia, I refer to sections of the book to illustrate specific clinical examples. The book is also very useful to describe theoretical concepts as a way of teaching music therapy practicum and internship students about successful clinical treatment protocols. When I have the opportunity to teach a music therapy class about music therapy and gerontology, I refer to the book for lecture ideas. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in learning more about how music improves the quality of life of the older adult.