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A study of the effectiveness of MP3 players to support family carers of people living with dementia at home

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  23 September 2014

Virginia Lewis ,
Michael Bauer ,
Margaret Winbolt ,
Carol Chenco  and
Francine Hanley
Virginia Lewis
Affiliation:
Centre for Health Systems Development, La Trobe University, Melbourne Campus, Victoria, Australia
Michael Bauer*
Affiliation:
Australian Centre for Evidence Based Aged Care, La Trobe University, Melbourne Campus, Victoria, Australia
Margaret Winbolt
Affiliation:
Australian Centre for Evidence Based Aged Care, La Trobe University, Melbourne Campus, Victoria, Australia
Carol Chenco
Affiliation:
Australian Centre for Evidence Based Aged Care, La Trobe University, Melbourne Campus, Victoria, Australia
Francine Hanley
Affiliation:
Centre for Health Systems Development, La Trobe University, Melbourne Campus, Victoria, Australia
*
Correspondence should be addressed to: Michael Bauer, Senior Research Fellow, Australian Centre for Evidence Based Aged Care, La Trobe University, Melbourne Campus, Victoria 3086, Australia. Phone: +61 3 9479 6003. Email: m.bauer@latrobe.edu.au.
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Abstract

Background:

Music can be therapeutic to people with dementia; however, little is known about its effect on the family carers. This project aimed to (1) assess the effects of MP3 player use by a person with dementia on caregivers’ mental health and wellbeing, including their self-care and health-promoting behavior and (2) determine whether MP3 player use increases caregivers’ self-reported capacity to cope with their role.

Methods:

A pre–post quantitative and qualitative design was used. Carers completed a survey prior to commencing and four weeks after using the player. The survey included validated measures to assess the level of stress and coping among carers. Carers also kept a diary of the way they used the MP3 player. Half of the carers were interviewed about their experiences at the end of the study.

Results:

Of 59 people who started using the MP3 player, 51 carers completed the four-week study period and surveys. Use of the MP3 player significantly decreased psychological distress, significantly improved the mental health and wellbeing of carers, significantly increased caregiver self-efficacy to manage symptoms of dementia, and was reported to provide valued respite from the high level of vigilance required for caring for a person with dementia.

Conclusion:

An MP3 player loaded with music can be a low cost and relatively simple and effective additional strategy to support families caring for people with dementia in the community.

Keywords

technologymusicdementiafamily caregiverburden
Type
Research Article
Information
International Psychogeriatrics , Volume 27 , Issue 3 , March 2015 , pp. 471 - 479
Copyright
Copyright © International Psychogeriatric Association 2014 

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