How Music Can Enhance Caregiving
Music is undeniably a powerful medium which can serve as a mood shifter, natural
motivator, and great connector. I often think of music like a vitamin—a little bit everyday
does wonders to nourish the mind, body and soul! Have you ever thought about
incorporating music into the day-to-day of caregiving?
The benefits of music are abundant and far-reaching. I’ve been a music therapist the
past 10 years and have had the privilege of witnessing firsthand the transformative
power of music in a myriad of ways. Music possesses the remarkable ability to spark
joy, foster self-expression, and make a profound difference in the lives of people facing
various challenges and limitations, including disease, disability, dementia, and social
isolation. It is this strong belief in the healing power of music that led me to establish
Bridgetown Music Therapy in 2016, fueled by passion and the desire to create
meaningful change through music.
In 2020, driven to respond to the challenges posed by COVID-19 and the resulting
limitations, I created our virtual music engagement program, Singing at Home, and
several other reasons became clear in the process. This innovative initiative emerged
not only as a response to the pandemic but also as a solution to the ever-present need
for meaningful and accessible activities for individuals and their caregivers. Caregiving,
while deeply rewarding, is undeniably exhausting, demanding unwavering dedication
and compassion. The emotional investment caregivers make in their roles can often
leave them feeling drained and constantly depleted.
As a music therapist, my heart and passion is to help you and help your loved one
through music! Singing at Home is designed to alleviate some of the burdens of
caregiving, offering a valuable tool for connection, enrichment, and engagement for both
caregivers and their loved ones. Available 24/7, this on-demand program is a beacon of
support, recognizing the unpredictability of each day in a caregiver’s life. The flexibility
of our pre-recorded video sessions allows caregivers to access meaningful, musically
engaging experiences at any time, providing a source of comfort, redirection, cheer, or
whatever is needed in the moment.
By participating in Singing at Home, caregivers find respite and relief, allowing them to
recharge and care for their own well-being. Simultaneously, the program facilitates
connection, enabling caregivers to engage in music-based activities with their loved
ones. These activities not only serve as moments of joy and bonding but also contribute
to the overall enhancement of the emotional well-being of both caregivers and their
loved ones.
You can learn more at SingingatHome.com and I invite you to join me!
Founder & Owner, Music Therapist
Bridgetown Music Therapy began sparking joy in 2017 in Portland, Oregon. Board-certified Music Therapist, Alexis Baker, MT-BC founded the company to
create meaningful connections through the power of music. After earning her Bachelor of Music Therapy degree from Marylhurst University in 2013, Alexis provided enriching music therapy sessions for many years. Her passion has remained working with older adults, drawn to their wisdom and life stories.