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Description
This capstone project explores personalized background music as a client-centered intervention to enhance engagement, emotional well-being, and quality of life for older adults in a senior living community. Conducted at Treyton Oak Towers in Louisville, KY, the project integrated meaningful music into daily leisure and social activities. Key goals included building rapport with residents and staff, assessing residents’ functional needs, planning and adapting activities, and incorporating music preferences to support participation and enjoyment. Older adults in long-term care often experience cognitive decline, low motivation, and limited engagement in meaningful occupations. Literature supports music’s ability to stimulate memory, enhance mood, and promote participation, especially when tailored to individual preferences. This project addresses the need for accessible, non-pharmacological strategies that promote holistic, person-centered care. The project began with rapport-building, environmental observation, and informal assessment of residents’ cognitive, communication, and mobility function. Music preferences were identified through conversation and observation to create personalized playlists. Residents participated in group and individual activities such as mindfulness, crafts, sensory play, and exercise, with background music matched to each session. Engagement, emotional response, and social interaction were evaluated through observation, resident feedback, and staff input. Deliverables included themed playlists, adaptable activity plans, and recommendations for future music use. Outcomes showed increased resident participation, improved group cohesion, and a more positive emotional tone. Staff reported greater resident enjoyment of music-supported activities.
Graduation Date
8-8-2025
Keywords
OTD Capstone, older adults, engagement, social participation, well-being, quality of life, client-centered, holistic, sensory integration, auditory input
Disciplines
Occupational Therapy
Degree Type
Open Access Capstone
Document Type
Poster
Degree Name
Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD)
Department
Occupational Therapy
Site Mentor
Susanne Howe, AC
Comments
Link to presentation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BiCxKvDs3IA