We had someone speak at our support group the other day about the benefits of music for People with Parkinson’s. She had come by to invite us to a newly forming drum circle for people with neurological disorders including PD, and shared a lovely video of a current program in California to let us know what it could look like. It makes me wonder, if this activity is so good for my husband wouldn’t it be equally beneficial for me? So, I turned to the internet to see what I could find about music and caregiving.

It took some time and patience on my part but I finally found an article on webmd.com that actually spoke about the benefits of music for the caregiver. The article listed physical health and mental health benefits for seniors who participated in a music therapy program including lowered stress levels, something all CarePartners could use. I still wonder, though, what about the more informal approach? Can I just play music throughout the day to help both of us get through our difficult times?

I go out for walks in the neighborhood and I often accompany those walks with smooth jazz music. It helps me relax and let go of the worries of the day. My husband has a huge collection of vinyl and CDs from the past 60 years that we never listen to. I know that it would take a bit more effort to set them up, but perhaps it would be worth it. Maybe we set aside time each day to listen to just one or two of his albums. It could serve as a pleasant background for naps or reading, might bring back some warm memories, and should be calming for both of us. It certainly can’t hurt.

Visit this link https://www.webmd.com/healthy-aging/music-therapy-for-older-adults to see more of the article I mention above.