Aging & Society: Eighth Interdisciplinary Conference

Abstract

We expected that music would make connections among residents, families, and staff, which is important for promoting good quality of life for residents. This study investigated not only effects of music on physical and psychological conditions, but also connections among residents, families, and staff in nursing homes based on the recognition of staff in charge of activities. The study design was national and cross-sectional. Connections among people in nursing homes, as a concept of community music therapy, were examined. Questionnaires on the implementation of music activities were sent to 517 facilities through the mail. Music activities were provided by 80.2% of nursing homes. There were no significant differences in types of nursing home and the number of beds between facilities providing and not providing music. On the other hand, the charge staff of facilities that provided music activities had learning experience of musical instruments (p=0.000) and showed interest in musical activities (p=0.002). No significant differences were found in the effects of music on physical conditions. In contrast, “feelings of happiness increases” (p=0.013), and variables related to connections were shown to be significant; “residents have a feeling of staying at their home” (p=0.015), “residents reduce their refusal of staff care” (p=0.046), “nursing homes have a homey sense of family” (p＝0.025), “staff connection with residents is increased” (p=0.040), and “staff members increase residents’ feelings of dignity” (p=0.021). In conclusion, we found that music could promote personal interaction among residents, staff, and family in nursing homes.