Abstract
The increasing number of individuals with dementia in long-term care facilities and
the non-existence of music therapy programs in memory care units in the region of
Northwest Indiana means that individuals with dementia are not receiving the benefits of
music therapy services. This study examined the effect of a presentation on the perception of
long-term care administrators and staff on music therapy programs in memory care units.
Participants were 11 administrators and staff from two long-term care facilities in Northwest
Indiana. The participants completed a pre-test survey, viewed a 30-minute presentation, and
completed a post-test survey. The pre and post-test surveys were identical and contained
questions regarding perceptions and knowledge of music therapy in memory care units. The
results from this study showed that 39% of participants’ perceptions and knowledge changed
positively following the presentation. An average of 54% of participant’s perceptions and
knowledge stayed the same. The questions that did not change were related to services the
facility offered and their perceptions of whether services would be beneficial. Only 8% of the
participant’s answers demonstrated a negative change. The question most commonly
answered in the negative direction was regarding funding. The answers that remained the
same from pre-test to post-test included those addressing whether the participants thought
music therapy would be beneficial for individuals with dementia and for caregivers, and
those addressing the offering of complementary and alternative therapies. The researcher
recommends further revision of the presentation. A larger group of participants from a
variety of locations should participate in a follow-up study.
