Ongoing global research continues to indicate music – from listening to personalised tunes to singing – can be of great benefit to people living with dementia.

The Music For David program connects our customers with registered music therapists who determine each individual’s goals and the ideal intervention using a range of music therapy techniques. Music therapy can soothe yet gently stimulate those who are agitated or withdrawn due to the effects of dementia and ease symptoms of restlessness, anxiety or agitation. 

Participants in the Music For David program work one-on-one with a Music Therapist in their own home. The program is available to Uniting AgeWell customers through both the Commonwealth Home Support Program and Support at Home funding.

One music therapy technique that is utilised in the Music for David program is working with families and customers to carefully design a digital playlist of songs, based on their individual taste and the era of music most familiar to them. They are also provided with an MP3 device and headset.

We find people respond best to music they would have heard in their 20s and 30s. So we research music from up to 70 years ago and download it for them.

The Music For David program also provides a meaningful, relevant and enjoyable activity for the person with dementia, while supporting their families and carers by affording them short-term respite. It reduces shadowing – where people with dementia follow their carers closely – giving carers a break from having to be constantly vigilant.