Abstract

For people with dementia, the world can become a lonely and isolated place. Music has long been a vital instrument in transcending cognitive issues; bringing people together, and allowing a person to live in the moment. Connecting through Music with People with Dementia explains how a caregiver can learn to use melody or rhythm to connect with someone who may be otherwise non-responsive, and how memories can be stimulated by music that resonates with a part of someone's past.

This user-friendly book demonstrates how even simple sounds and movements can engage people with dementia, promoting relaxation and enjoyment. All that's needed to succeed is a love of music, and a desire to gain greater communication and more meaningful interaction with people with dementia. The book provides practical advice on using music with people with dementia, and includes a songbook suggesting a range of popular song choices and a chapter focusing on the importance of caregivers looking after themselves as well as the people they care for.

Suitable for both family and professional caregivers with no former experience of music therapy, and for music therapy students and entry level professionals, this accessible book will lay bare the secrets of music therapy to all.

... the book provides compelling arguments as to why and how carers might use music-making to improve the day-to-day lives of those for whom they are caring...The book maps out a means of enriching the lives of people with dementia and those of their carers and is recommended for carers who have avoided using music because they do not feel qualified.
Australian Journal of Ageing
Robin Rio is a board certified Music Therapist and Associate Professor at Arizona State University, USA.
The book is easy to read and written in a format suitable for those new to this area of work... I would consider it a useful book for music therapy students and those working in residential and day care settings with its range of examples, checklists and guidance.
Social Care and Neurodisability
Some publications cannot help but be straightforward - Rio's title provides adequate information, and perhaps more importantly, acknowledges that utilizing music is not necessarily the exclusive right of the qualified and certified music therapist. Anyone genuinely interested in therapeutic dementia care can take heart from its being "suitable for both family and professional caregivers with no former experience of music therapy".
Journal of Mental Health
A book which can help by offering practical singing and music-making ideas and insights is a valuable, much needed resource. This straightforward and practical "self-study" book can certainly play a part in improving quality of life and interaction with others with the advice and support it offers to its aimed readership of professional and family caregivers, as well as music therapy students and practitioners.
Approaches: Music Therapy & Special Music Education
Rio is a great enthusiast and shows how we can and do connect through music of all sorts - rhythms and movements, sounds and songs. Encourage your staff to sing with the residents; we've all got music in us.
Standards for Practice
This comprehensive book is easy to read and guides an inexperienced reader through the process of introducing and using music with people with dementia.
COTSS PLD Newsletter
The world can be isolated and lonely for people with dementia, and music has become key in bringing people together. Robin Rio's CONNECTING THROUGH MUSIC WITH PEOPLE WITH DEMENTIA: A GUIDE FOR CAREGIVERS shows how simple sounds and movement can engage such people, promote relaxation and enjoyment, and break down barriers. After reviewing these connections, caregivers are given a series of music exercises to follow. A fine pick for any library covering dementia care.
The Midwest Book Review