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Discover the power of playlists in delivering music care for dementia

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X minutes to read

Curating, listening to, and sharing music together through a playlist

‍

Why playlists are an effective part of music care

‍

Playlists are the soundtracks to our lives. We can learn about important moments in people’s lives through their musical choices. These choices tell stories about who they are and what matters to them

‍

Listening to music that is important and meaningful can evoke memories and help to stimulate connections in the here and now. Being able to share music through a playlist can create a shared musical experience for all involved, helping to support and maintain relationships. The use of music throughout a day can help with manage some of the everyday challenges of living with dementia, both for the person living with the condition and for those supporting and caring for them

‍

How to guide

Before we start, you are...

"How to" for People Living With Dementia:

1. Getting started with making your playlist

If you’re not comfortable with using streaming platforms or devices, ask family member or friend to help you to create your playlist
Think about whether it has a theme – it doesn’t need to have one, but this could be an easy way to start. It could be about your family, adventures, younger years or simply music you like to dance to
You might want to start by writing down a list of songs or pieces of music and then creating your playlist online
If you’re in need of some inspiration, there are lots of playlists already available online that can help with ideas of where to start. Why not try out this upbeat Spotify playlist?
There are also apps and websites that can help build one for you based on your music taste, such as Vera and Music for My Mind

2. Things to think about as you build your playlist

You can create your playlist yourself or together with a friend or family member
You can make it in one go or create it over time, you get to set the pace
If you need help finding the name of a piece or song, you can use tools such as Shazam (an app and website for identifying music)
Think about how you could share the stories behind your choices. You might want to record a video or write a few words explaining your choices that you can share with family and friends
This should be a nice experience so have fun while you’re exploring your music. Some music might make you feel unexpected feelings and that’s ok. You can always take a break and come back to your playlist when you’re ready

3. Once you have created your playlist

Make sure that you can easily access and use a device so you can listen to your playlist when you want to. Ask someone for support with this if you are unsure about the best way to enjoy your music
If you’re happy to, share it with family and friends
Take time to listen to your playlist with others and enjoy a musical moment together. It may spark conversations that enable you to remember important moments in your life or create new memories together

‍

"How to" for Carers:

1. Getting started with making the playlist

With the person you are listening with, first decide whether you would like to listen to a pre-existing playlist together online or if you want to create a personalised one for them
If you would like to listen to a pre-existing playlist, you can find resources at Playlist for Life. For this, you will need a device, such as laptop, phone or tablet, and internet connection
Apps and digital playlist creators such as Vera, Music for My Mind and MediMusic can help with creating playlists, that can be used at home and in care settings
If you would like to create a personalised playlist together, start with a musical conversation to find out what music is important to the person that you are creating with
To create the playlist, you will need a device such as laptop, phone or tablet with access to a streaming service such as Spotify. You may also need an app that helps to identify songs or lyrics, internet access to be able to search for information online about events that happened at certain times, or some prompts such as a photo album
Think about the type of music that the person would like to curate. Do they want to have a compilation of their favourite music or should it be themed to evoke certain feelings? For example, do they want to feel reassured, relaxed or uplifted? Themes are helpful so that you are able to use the right music, at the right time to support with their care

2. Things to think about as you build your playlist

You can make the playlist in one go or create it over time; do what works best for the person you are curating the music with. New conversations and stories may emerge gradually so feel free to edit the selection over time, it adds to the richness of why the music is important
Curating the music may stimulate a range of responses so be aware of these responses to the music. If any music evokes unwanted memories or feelings, leave these tracks out and make a note of them so that others are aware not to use these songs. Go at the person’s pace, if they need to take a break or reflect, do so and come back to it later
Sharing your music with somebody can be a beautiful, heartfelt gift. If the person that you are making the playlist with wants to share with family or friends, think about whether you can help them write a letter or record a short video to explain their song choices and accompany their playlist

3. Sharing your playlist, once it’s created

Make sure that the individual can listen to their playlist when they want to. If they can access it independently you may need to set them up with a device that can stream the playlist and teach them how to use it. If they can’t, you may want to share it with others who spend time with the individual and show them how to access it instead
Check-in a few weeks later to see if the music is helpful and being used. Are the songs still the right songs, are they in the right order and do any of them need to be replaced or removed?
Encourage friends and family to take time to listen to the playlist together to add to the meaningful music experience
Embed the music in the individual’s routine by making sure that it becomes part of the information shared about the person, alongside other information about them that makes up their care plans

‍

"How to" for Musicians:

1. Getting started with making a playlist

With the person you are listening with, first decide whether you would like to listen to a pre-existing playlist together online or if you want to create a personalised one for them
If you would like to listen to a pre-existing playlist, you can find specially curated playlists online such as this upbeat selection on Spotify. For this, you will need a device, such as laptop, phone or tablet, and internet connection
If you would like to create a personalised playlist together, start with a musical conversation to find out what music is important to the person that you are creating with
To create the playlist, you will need a device such as laptop, phone or tablet with access to a streaming service such as Spotify. You may also need an app that helps to identify songs or lyrics such as Shazam, internet access to be able to search for information online about events that happened at certain times, or some prompts such as a photo album
There are also apps such as Vera and Music for My Mind that can help with creating playlists
Think about the type of music that the person would like to curate. Do they want to have a collection of their favourite music or should the playlist be themed to evoke certain feelings? For example, do they want to feel reassured, relaxed or uplifted? Themes are helpful so that you are able to use the right music, at the right time, for the right reason

2. Things to think about as you build your playlist

You can make the playlist in one go or create it over time; do what works best for the person you are making the playlist with. New conversations and stories may emerge gradually so feel free to edit accordingly, it will add to the richness of why the music is important
Curating the music may stimulate a range of responses so notice responses to the music. If any music evokes unwanted memories or feelings, leave these tracks out and make a note of them so that others are aware not to use these songs. Go at the person’s pace, if they need to take a break or reflect, do so and come back to it later
Sharing your music with somebody can be a beautiful, heartfelt gift. If the person that you are making the playlist with wants to share with family or friends, think about whether you can help them write a letter or record a short video to explain their song choices and accompany their playlist
Don’t forget to use your musical skills. In putting the playlist together, it might create a moment for some music making. Could you create your own version of the song together? Could this be recorded and added to the playlist?

3. Sharing your playlist, once it’s created

Make sure that the individual can listen to their playlist when they want to. If they can access it independently, you may need to set them up with a device that can stream the playlist and teach them how to use it. If they can’t, you may want to share it with somebody that spends time with the individual and show them how to access it instead
Check-in a few weeks later to see if the playlist is helpful and being used. Are the songs still the right songs, are they in the right order and do any of them need to be replaced or removed?
Encourage friends and family to take time to listen to the music together to add to the meaningful music experience
Is there an opportunity for you to follow up on how the playlist is used by offering a music making session together based on music that was included?
Embed the playlist in the individual’s routine by making sure that sure that it becomes part of the information shared about the person, alongside other information about them that makes up their care plans

‍

Discover the power of playlists in delivering music care for dementia

Now

Home

Alone

Friends or Family

5 minutes to read

Curating, listening to, and sharing music together through a playlist

‍

Why playlists are an effective part of music care

‍

How to guide

Before we start, you are...

"How to" for People Living with Dementia

1. Getting started with making your playlist

If you’re not comfortable with using streaming platforms or devices, ask family member or friend to help you to create your playlist
Think about whether it has a theme – it doesn’t need to have one, but this could be an easy way to start. It could be about your family, adventures, younger years or simply music you like to dance to
You might want to start by writing down a list of songs or pieces of music and then creating your playlist online
If you’re in need of some inspiration, there are lots of playlists already available online that can help with ideas of where to start. Why not try out this upbeat Spotify playlist?
There are also apps and websites that can help build one for you based on your music taste, such as Vera and Music for My Mind

2. Things to think about as you build your playlist

You can create your playlist yourself or together with a friend or family member
You can make it in one go or create it over time, you get to set the pace
If you need help finding the name of a piece or song, you can use tools such as Shazam (an app and website for identifying music)
Think about how you could share the stories behind your choices. You might want to record a video or write a few words explaining your choices that you can share with family and friends
This should be a nice experience so have fun while you’re exploring your music. Some music might make you feel unexpected feelings and that’s ok. You can always take a break and come back to your playlist when you’re ready

3. Once you have created your playlist

Make sure that you can easily access and use a device so you can listen to your playlist when you want to. Ask someone for support with this if you are unsure about the best way to enjoy your music
If you’re happy to, share it with family and friends
Take time to listen to your playlist with others and enjoy a musical moment together. It may spark conversations that enable you to remember important moments in your life or create new memories together

‍

"How to" for Carers

1. Getting started with making the playlist

With the person you are listening with, first decide whether you would like to listen to a pre-existing playlist together online or if you want to create a personalised one for them
If you would like to listen to a pre-existing playlist, you can find resources at Playlist for Life. For this, you will need a device, such as laptop, phone or tablet, and internet connection
Apps and digital playlist creators such as Vera, Music for My Mind and MediMusic can help with creating playlists, that can be used at home and in care settings
If you would like to create a personalised playlist together, start with a musical conversation to find out what music is important to the person that you are creating with
To create the playlist, you will need a device such as laptop, phone or tablet with access to a streaming service such as Spotify. You may also need an app that helps to identify songs or lyrics, internet access to be able to search for information online about events that happened at certain times, or some prompts such as a photo album
Think about the type of music that the person would like to curate. Do they want to have a compilation of their favourite music or should it be themed to evoke certain feelings? For example, do they want to feel reassured, relaxed or uplifted? Themes are helpful so that you are able to use the right music, at the right time to support with their care

2. Things to think about as you build your playlist

You can make the playlist in one go or create it over time; do what works best for the person you are curating the music with. New conversations and stories may emerge gradually so feel free to edit the selection over time, it adds to the richness of why the music is important
Curating the music may stimulate a range of responses so be aware of these responses to the music. If any music evokes unwanted memories or feelings, leave these tracks out and make a note of them so that others are aware not to use these songs. Go at the person’s pace, if they need to take a break or reflect, do so and come back to it later
Sharing your music with somebody can be a beautiful, heartfelt gift. If the person that you are making the playlist with wants to share with family or friends, think about whether you can help them write a letter or record a short video to explain their song choices and accompany their playlist

3. Sharing your playlist, once it’s created

Make sure that the individual can listen to their playlist when they want to. If they can access it independently you may need to set them up with a device that can stream the playlist and teach them how to use it. If they can’t, you may want to share it with others who spend time with the individual and show them how to access it instead
Check-in a few weeks later to see if the music is helpful and being used. Are the songs still the right songs, are they in the right order and do any of them need to be replaced or removed?
Encourage friends and family to take time to listen to the playlist together to add to the meaningful music experience
Embed the music in the individual’s routine by making sure that it becomes part of the information shared about the person, alongside other information about them that makes up their care plans

‍

"How to" for Musicians

1. Getting started with making a playlist

With the person you are listening with, first decide whether you would like to listen to a pre-existing playlist together online or if you want to create a personalised one for them
If you would like to listen to a pre-existing playlist, you can find specially curated playlists online such as this upbeat selection on Spotify. For this, you will need a device, such as laptop, phone or tablet, and internet connection
If you would like to create a personalised playlist together, start with a musical conversation to find out what music is important to the person that you are creating with
To create the playlist, you will need a device such as laptop, phone or tablet with access to a streaming service such as Spotify. You may also need an app that helps to identify songs or lyrics such as Shazam, internet access to be able to search for information online about events that happened at certain times, or some prompts such as a photo album
There are also apps such as Vera and Music for My Mind that can help with creating playlists
Think about the type of music that the person would like to curate. Do they want to have a collection of their favourite music or should the playlist be themed to evoke certain feelings? For example, do they want to feel reassured, relaxed or uplifted? Themes are helpful so that you are able to use the right music, at the right time, for the right reason

2. Things to think about as you build your playlist

You can make the playlist in one go or create it over time; do what works best for the person you are making the playlist with. New conversations and stories may emerge gradually so feel free to edit accordingly, it will add to the richness of why the music is important
Curating the music may stimulate a range of responses so notice responses to the music. If any music evokes unwanted memories or feelings, leave these tracks out and make a note of them so that others are aware not to use these songs. Go at the person’s pace, if they need to take a break or reflect, do so and come back to it later
Sharing your music with somebody can be a beautiful, heartfelt gift. If the person that you are making the playlist with wants to share with family or friends, think about whether you can help them write a letter or record a short video to explain their song choices and accompany their playlist
Don’t forget to use your musical skills. In putting the playlist together, it might create a moment for some music making. Could you create your own version of the song together? Could this be recorded and added to the playlist?

3. Sharing your playlist, once it’s created

Make sure that the individual can listen to their playlist when they want to. If they can access it independently, you may need to set them up with a device that can stream the playlist and teach them how to use it. If they can’t, you may want to share it with somebody that spends time with the individual and show them how to access it instead
Check-in a few weeks later to see if the playlist is helpful and being used. Are the songs still the right songs, are they in the right order and do any of them need to be replaced or removed?
Encourage friends and family to take time to listen to the music together to add to the meaningful music experience
Is there an opportunity for you to follow up on how the playlist is used by offering a music making session together based on music that was included?
Embed the playlist in the individual’s routine by making sure that sure that it becomes part of the information shared about the person, alongside other information about them that makes up their care plans

‍

Recommended for You

Discover the power of playlists in delivering music care for dementia

Why playlists are an effective part of music care

How to guide

1. Getting started with making your playlist

2. Things to think about as you build your playlist

3. Once you have created your playlist

1. Getting started with making the playlist

2. Things to think about as you build your playlist

3. Sharing your playlist, once it’s created

1. Getting started with making a playlist

2. Things to think about as you build your playlist

3. Sharing your playlist, once it’s created

Discover the power of playlists in delivering music care for dementia

Why playlists are an effective part of music care

How to guide

1. Getting started with making your playlist

2. Things to think about as you build your playlist

3. Once you have created your playlist

1. Getting started with making the playlist

2. Things to think about as you build your playlist

3. Sharing your playlist, once it’s created

1. Getting started with making a playlist

2. Things to think about as you build your playlist

3. Sharing your playlist, once it’s created

Resources for

Playlists

Playlist for Life

Music for My Mind

Vera

Previous Article Title

Next Article Title

Recommended for You

Discover the power of playlists in delivering music care for dementia

Why playlists are an effective part of music care

How to guide

1. Getting started with making your playlist

2. Things to think about as you build your playlist

3. Once you have created your playlist

1. Getting started with making the playlist

2. Things to think about as you build your playlist

3. Sharing your playlist, once it’s created

1. Getting started with making a playlist

2. Things to think about as you build your playlist

3. Sharing your playlist, once it’s created

Discover the power of playlists in delivering music care for dementia

Why playlists are an effective part of music care

How to guide

1. Getting started with making your playlist

2. Things to think about as you build your playlist

3. Once you have created your playlist

1. Getting started with making the playlist

2. Things to think about as you build your playlist

3. Sharing your playlist, once it’s created

1. Getting started with making a playlist

2. Things to think about as you build your playlist

3. Sharing your playlist, once it’s created

Resources for

Playlists

Playlist for Life

Music for My Mind

Vera

Previous Article Title

Next Article Title

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