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Music Therapy Activities for Seniors

October 14, 2016

Recreational Therapy for Fair Lawn Seniors

Suggestions for Fair Lawn Seniors in Regards to Recreational/Music Therapy

Music Therapy and Activities for Seniors

                  It’s a rare individual who doesn’t appreciate music. Chances are, your Fair Lawn senior parent or grandparent enjoys it—and you do, too. Take advantage of one of the few truly universal pastimes that transcends all ages and personalities. Spend some time with your Fair Lawn senior parent or grandparent with these music activities for seniors.

For Some Fun Exercise: Take Dance Lessons

If your Fair Lawn senior parent doesn’t struggle with joint or back pain or general mobility issues, sign up for dance lessons. Dance is a great aerobic exercise, and, in most areas, you should be able to find a class suited to seniors. Ballroom, swing, or Latin styles may stir happy memories, while a new style provides a fun challenge.

For an Excuse to Get Out: Attend a Concert

What kind of music does your Fair Lawn senior parent love? Classical? Jazz? Soul? Ask them, and then plan a fun afternoon or evening out together. Make it a special occasion and encourage your parent to wear his or her finest.

For a Family Activity All Ages Can Enjoy: Musical Chairs

At your next family dinner, suggest a rousing game of musical chairs around the table post-meal. You may get some eye-rolls at first, but you’ll be surprised how all ages laugh during this silly game. Winner gets to skip dish duty.

For a Trip Down Memory Lane: Make a Playlist

For Fair Lawn seniors with mobility issues or dementia, more sedentary activities, such as making a playlist, prove best. Ask your Fair Lawn senior mom or dad about the music he or she listened to through life—you’ll discover a lot as you walk through childhood, high school, and adulthood. As you talk, pull up songs online and listen to them, or you can take notes and create and listen to the playlist together later. Here are a few to get you started:
  • Fred Astaire – “The Way You Look Tonight” (1936)
  • Glenn Miller – “In the Mood” (1940)
  • Doris Day – “Sentimental Journey” (1945)
  • Frank Sinatra – “All of Me” (1947)
  • Elvis Presley – “That’s All Right” (1954)
  • Chubby Checker – “The Twist” (1960)

For Help with Dementia or Alzheimer’s: Music Therapy

According to the American Music Therapy Association, research studies and clinical experience show that music therapy can provide relief and comfort to seniors with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia. If you’re interested, be sure to check the credentials of any potential therapists for recognition from the Certification Board for Music Therapists.   BrightStar Home Care of Fair Lawn and Wayne NJ proudly provide support for the elderly and children, including 24 hour skilled nursing and support in senior independent and assisted living communities. Additionally we provide Medical Staffing and In-Home Physical Therapy for pediatric, adult and geriatric patients, Companion and Personal Care for Elders with Alzheimer’s or Dementia. We also provide Home Child Care, Sitter and Nanny services for Children and Support for New Mothers.  We Support Veterans and Accept most Long Term Care Insurance benefits, provide Hospice care, Live-in care, CNA, Caregiver, RN, LVN, RN Supervision, Compassionate Care, and Compatibility Guarantees. Other services include safe discharge and transportation from the hospital or rehab facility, Post Op care both short and long term, Pre Operation and preparation help and assistance, and client monitoring for out of town family members. BrightStar of Fair Lawn and Wayne proudly provide child care and senior care in Lake Hiawatha, Lincoln Park, Montville, Towaco, Allendale, Bloomingdale, Butler, Franklin Lakes, Haskell, Mahwah, Oakland, Pequannock, Pompton Lakes, Pompton Plains, Ramsey, Ringwood, Riverdale, Saddle River, Wanaque, Ridgewood, Glen Rock, Waldwick, Wyckoff, Ho Ho Kus, Mahwah, Allendale, Wayne, and Fair Lawn in New Jersey.