The Role of Music in Memory Care
November 25, 2025
The role of music in memory care is better established than you may realize. Think about how a song can take you back to an experience that you may have otherwise forgotten, and you’ll have a pretty good idea of why music plays such a primary role in memory care. At The Hickman, a well-respected West Chester, PA, Friends senior community – we recognize how closely memory and music are intertwined, and we never miss an opportunity to foster musical experiences in the lives of our residents.
Musical Intervention
Musical intervention, which refers to using music to evoke memories, feelings, and emotions, is considered therapeutic for those with memory concerns, such as Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. When we incorporate music into memory care, it brings wonderful benefits that include all the following:
- Decreased agitation
- Improved communication skills
- Deeper relationships
A Bridge to Memories
Music as a memory aid helps strengthen the networks in our brains that serve as bridges to the past. For example, singing can help those with memory issues become better communicators through language. Because music gives us a rhythm to follow, it can also bolster balance and physical activity.
We see this magic happen every day at The Hickman. One resident, Lara, often forgets that she knows how to play the piano, or insists she never learned. Yet when she sits at the piano bench, instinct takes over, and she plays beautiful compositions that bring her and everyone listening so much joy.
People tend to hold on to memories of music longer than almost any other kind, making music an excellent tool in memory care.
Keeping the Beat Going
At The Hickman, we are well acquainted with the primary role that music can play in memory care, and – in response – we make it a focus. With this in mind, we take all the tips shared by the Alzheimer’s Association into careful account, including:
- Choosing music that speaks to the individual, which means music they enjoy and respond to
- Skipping the commercials, which can be a confusing interruption for those in need of memory care
- Encouraging movement at a level the resident can engage in, which may mean clapping, tapping, or full-on dancing
- Using the music to create the target mood, such as playing peaceful pieces to foster tranquility and playing bouncier songs to generate higher spirits and to support happy memories
- Avoiding competing noise that interferes with our ability to truly appreciate music and benefit from its therapeutic qualities
- Keeping the volume at a comfortable level that is enjoyable, rather than being something that must be endured
We appreciate the immense benefits associated with music, and as a result, we weave music into the tapestry of our memory care.
Experience the Resident-Centered Memory Care at The Hickman
If you are looking for a senior living experience that offers your loved one memory care with a human touch that includes music as therapy, you’ve come to the right place. The Hickman in West Chester, PA, is a Friends senior community that never loses sight of our residents’ need for connections, and we embrace the healing power of music in the process. Learn more by contacting us online or calling us at 484-760-6300 today.