Music in Geriatric Care-ForeWord

At  first sight the title may seem to be rather a rather restricting one and the field limited. However, Mrs Ruth Bright has demonstrated  in these pages that music in the care of geriatric patients is an essential part of the total therapeutic approach. In modern times, with the advent of specialisation, the individual tends to be forgotten  and his/her illness becomes the important factor. It is thus all too easy to be fascinated by the curing of the patient`s physical complaint while ignoring his mental health. No one reading these pages  can fail to be impressed by the usefulness of music in a a general cohesive way and also in the special application of music, as for instance in the treatment of aphasia.

These pages contain much more however than the bare outline of the use of music in the care of ill elderly people. The whole concept of music in therapy and very interesting information on the mental health of the elderly and the ultimate aim of treatment, are among the topics clearly described. The facts put foward leave the reader in no doubt that music therapy must be taken seriously and that it has an important part to play, in combination with physiotherapy and speech therapy in the ultimate cure of many older people. ( in current law therapists are not allowed to declare that  they can provide a cure, however the practice of therapy supports the alleviation of depression and isolation. RaRL) .

In the section of practical considerations, much thought has been given to the application of the theoretical discussions put forward in the previous section. Practical and worthwhile advice is given on equipment  and staffing problems. These pages try to show what can be done with a constant review of individual cases and group therapy, to improve the care of patients.

There is no doubt that the points and issues discussed in these pages will be of immense value to all those interested in the elderly. These pages will provide health practitioners with information and practical procedures which can help boost the morale and mental health of older patients. the physiotherapist, speech therapist , occupational therapist, social worker and chiropodist, will all benefit from the advice and thoughts contained herein.  Older people themselves will be encouraged and stimulated by the amount of careful consideration that has gone into factors concerned with their health and keeping fit.

In order to complete this study, there is one more important chapter on contraindications  to music therapy  and these are clearly put forward-examples include musicogenic epilepsy and boredom or dislike of music, while the problem of emotional disturbance  is also noted  and over- sensitivity  to noise is also mentioned as a contraindication. It has always been my belief that we are only at the beginning of our understanding of how to treat the elderly sick, and these web pages add one more step to our knowledge  of the handling of those who are ill and old.

L.Ferguson Anderson, O.B.E.,C.ST.J.,M.D.,F.R.C.P. / David Cargill Professor of Geriatric Medicine/ The University,  Glasgow. May 1972

Reference: Ruth Bright: Music in Geriatric Care

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