Music Therapy and Spiritual Care for Persons with Dementia: A Mixed-Methods Study.

The combination of music therapy and spiritual care for persons with dementia is largely unstudied. The primary purpose of this study was to analyze the outcomes of a co-led combined spiritual care and music therapy (SCMT) group offered to persons with moderate to advanced dementia living in an extended care setting. A secondary purpose was to identify useful intervention strategies used in music therapy and spiritual care collaboration as informed by Kitwood's (1997a, 1997b) concept of personhood. The researchers were interested in the meaning and significance of the group for participants, especially in terms of self-expression and well-being as well as the associated skills and practices that facilitated positive outcomes. A mixed-methods approach of phenomenological methods and dementia care mapping (Kitwood & Bredin, 1992) was used. Study areas included determining what measurable outcomes were indicators of responsiveness to the interventions; what participation in the group meant for the participants; and what skills and practices demonstrated by the leaders facilitated positive outcomes. Key findings from both quantitative and qualitative measures indicated multiple positive outcomes including social involvement and cohesion, inclusion, identity, attachment and belonging, occupation, interaction, expression, positive moods, and comfort. Participants indicated that the spiritual content of the group and the experience of feeling spiritually connected with others were particularly important. The implications for continued research and further development of this form of combined music therapy and spiritual care practice are noted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]