Connecting Through Music with People with Dementia: A Guide for Caregivers

Rio (music therapy, Arizona State U.) outlines how family and professional caregivers with no experience in music therapy can use music to connect with someone who has dementia and promote relaxation and enjoyment. She explores techniques to develop caregivers' singing and sounding abilities and ways to share them with patients. She also explains the basics of music and describes how to choose meaningful music, observe the patient's responses, use percussion instruments, movement, and recorded or live music, and care for oneself. She includes session outlines, a list of songs and artists, and chord charts for 17 songs. Annotation 穢2009 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)