Sundownder Music

Between 5pm and 6 pm in the Dementia-Specific House, Residents are agitated and restless. To help calm them down, I pull out an iPad and go to Youtube.

I either play music that they are familiar with, or,
I play them Alternative Music, Peaceful Music, Calming Music.

I just type in: Peace and Calming Music + Youtube.

Youtube has a vast amount of music. The only problem with older music/ ie before the internet, you may only get Still Photographs to accompany the chose songs.

I find that Residents enjoy watching the screen/ images as much as hearing the musical sounds.

My favourite is a little different, but it is Grammy Award winner 2016 for Alternative Music: White Sun II. It is music used for Kundalini Yoga in a sacred language / Gurmukhi / and not English.

This is where you really have to think outside the box and try it! The songs are lovingly sung, peaceful, calming, soothing and the singer is beautiful to watch.

I have seen people calm right down out of agitation, go to sleep, go to their rooms and put themselves to bed, ask for repeat playings of the music, and others watch in silence.

If you, too have had trouble finding ways to calm a group of Dementia Residents just before bedtime, when they are tired, grumpy, agitated, etc. try Music!

Youtube has such a vast selection. And using an iPad with its portable screen allows you to take the music around to several people, if they are seated at different tables.

Ask their families. Find out what music they enjoy. Make a list and try: Music from their Era, their Home Country, and, try Alternative sounds and music. Example: Scottish people enjoy seeing moving images of "The Highlands", or seeing men dressed in Kilts.

The sounds of Birds, or the Ocean, are also Calming. It is well worth the try, even though it "sounds different".

Don't Judge the Music or Them.... just have a Go !!!

Best of Luck to You!