Music-Assisted Bathing, Article Critique Example

Making shower time easier for people with dementia

The primary needs of many older adults living in nursing homes is the assistance of cleaning and hygiene. The following article, “Music-assisted Bathing: Making shower time easier for people with dementia” written by authors Ray and Fitzsimmons, provides an article on making bath time easier for residents with dementia. The authors provide an innovative and creative approach to incorporating a music-assisted care technique for caregivers to use during bath time for dementia residents. According to the article, “Incorporating music-assisted bathing may address neuropsychiatric symptoms of dementia by lessening agitation and improving mood, which in turn can increase job satisfaction.” (Ray, Fitzsimmons 2014) The primary purpose of the article is to provide primary caregivers and nursing staff with the tools and information needed in implementing the technique into their protocol. The use of music as a therapeutic tool has long been researched. The authors provide more substantial evidence to support that music provides relaxation, reduction of aggressive behaviors, and decreased physical tension in the individual stimulus responses.

Bath time is reported the most difficult time in caring for patients with dementia. An overwhelming amount of nursing care residents require support for bathing, and behaviors exhibited during this time include agitation and aggression, which is a troubling experience for patients and caregivers. The research suggested that using methods that include programs that were nonpharmacological such as bathing in a manner that is familiar to the patient, or adding music. The information research showed that the type of music based on cultural background, the volume level, the tempo, and the patient’s mood contributed to the reaction during bath time. In selecting the more suitable music for each patient, the responses were viewed as positive and responsive in improving the patient’s mood, but also less resistance to bath time.

The authors with each a background in music therapy and medical research were qualified to expound on the following topic. Music therapy has been used extensively in triggering positive responses and reactions from patients whose conditions range from chronic, such as dementia, to acute such as babies in vitro. The authors provide more information in how CNAs and other healthcare professionals could incorporate music therapy technique into their bathing protocol for patients with dementia. The methodology of conducting the study was based on providing a literature review in which gathered previous research to support their main purpose, and to provide tools that were used to conduct the music-assisted approach successfully. Their article, unlike previous research case studies, was based on providing nursing professionals with tools and information that can be used to guide them in implementing the technique. While others relied on conducting studies or experiments to test out their research. While their methodology differed, it did not diminish its importance in the field of gerontology. The authors provided a well-research article on shedding importance on growing need for different approaches to making bath time a more suitable and tolerant experience for both the caregivers and the patients.

The majority of patients in nursing care facilities experience some forms of dementia, and the biggest problem reported are the difficulties during bathing. Choosing to use an alternative approach helps relax the patients, reduces the tension, aggressiveness, and the overall resistance to the pertinent routine for elderly dementia patients. The music-assisted technique can be easily implemented in nursing home protocols, which not only puts a smile on patient’s faces, but contributes to their overall patient experience. In the field of gerontology, patient experience is essential in improving patient care for older adults. Music is can greatly contribute to the field by finding calming and satisfactory approaches to helping older adults dealing with dementia.

References

Ray, Kendra, Fitzsimmons, Suzanne. (2014). Music-Assisted Bathing: Making Shower Time Easier for People With Dementia. Journal of Gerontological Nursing. Vol.40, No.2. pg. 9-14.