Brief In-Service Training in Music Therapy for Activity Aides

This study analyzed the effects of a brief in-service training workshop designed to teach activity aides how to use music therapy techniques. Sixteen persons with dementia, living in a nursing home special care unit, served as the research participants. Results showed that training conducted with activity aides significantly increased resident engagement with rhythm instruments in both one-on-one interactions and in group activity situations. Similar increases were observed in residents with a range of cognitive impairments. These results suggest that this intervention offers a potentially promising approach that indigenous staff can use to engage residents with dementia in purposeful activities.