Musical Connections: A Descriptive Study of Community-Based Choirs for Persons with Dementia and their Caregivers

Abstract

This descriptive qualitative study explores the key characteristics, benefits, and lessons learned from community-based choirs consisting of persons with dementia (PwD) and their caregivers based on reports from choir administrators and directors. Although there is growing interest in choirs for PwD, there has been no synthesis of information on these choirs. Semi-structured interviews were conducted between December 2016 and February 2017 with six administrators and/or directors of community-based choirs for PwD and their caregivers. The interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed. Content analyses indicated that choirs had many similarities in membership (e.g., early to mid-stage dementia), establishing formal sections and harmonies (e.g., soprano, alto, tenor, bass), administration (e.g., leadership, fees), and music programming (e.g., public performance, duration, and length of practice sessions). Benefits of the choir include enjoyment, sense of purpose, empowerment, caregiver support and respite, and increased awareness of dementia by others. In conclusion, this descriptive study suggests that community-based choirs are a cost effective and valuable program that improve quality of life for PwD and caregivers.Keywords: social inclusion; dementia; family caregivers; community choir; intergenerational T he term dementia is used to classify a group of neurocognitive disorders that worsen over time and affect memory, judgement, and behaviour (Alzheimer Society of Canada [ASC], 2017). Current dementia statistics in Canada estimate 564,000 Canadians are affected by the disorder, a number that by 2031 is projected to grow to 937,000 Canadians (ASC, 2016). Dementia has physical, psychological, social, and economic impacts on both the persons with dementia (PwD) and their caregivers and a significant financial impact on the health care system (ASC, 2015;Dassel & Carr, 2016;Dugeon, 2010). There is no cure for dementia; however, there are pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions that can improve quality of life through symptom management (ASC, 2015). Non-pharmacological interventions (e.g., music therapy) and staying active can maximize function and independence, reduce behavioural symptoms, reduce caregiver burden, and improve the quality of life for both PwD and caregivers (ASC, 2012;Dayanim, 2009; Hulme, Wright, Crocker, Olubovede, & House, 2010;Maratos, Gold, Wang, & Crawford, 2008;Sampath, Forbes, Barton, & Blake, 2015;Wall & Duffy, 2010).Choral singing is a non-pharmacological intervention that is garnering increased interest due to promising findings from several pilot studies (Bannan & Montgomery-Smith, 2008;Camic, Williams, & Meeten, 2013;Unadkat, Camic, & Vella-Burrows, 2016). Community-based choirs offer PwD and their caregivers an opportunity to engage in meaningful activity that promotes social engagement, physical activity (e.g., respiratory, musculoskeletal), and sensory stimulation (e.g., hearing, vision) * This research was supported by the Jamie Cassels Undergraduate Research...