Music therapy practices in gerontology

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Music Therapy
• Clinical Practice

Background:

• Music therapy is increasingly utilized with older adults.
• Understanding the current landscape of music therapy for geriatric populations is essential for professional development and evidence-based practice.

Purpose of the Study:

• To profile music therapists serving geriatric clients, including credentials, demographics, and compensation.
• To describe assessment strategies and common therapeutic goals used in geriatric music therapy.
• To clarify the integration of music therapy practices within various employment settings for elderly clients.

Main Methods:

• A national survey was distributed to music therapists working with older adults.
• A representative sample yielded 176 usable questionnaires with an 87% response rate.
• Frequency analyses were performed on quantitative data; qualitative data were presented as frequency counts.

Main Results:

• The study provides a demographic and professional profile of music therapists working with older adults.
• Common assessment practices and frequently specified therapeutic goals for geriatric clients were identified.
• Information on salary and reimbursement practices was collected, though comparative analyses were limited by sample size.

Conclusions:

• The findings offer valuable insights into the professional characteristics and clinical approaches of music therapists serving the elderly.
• This research establishes a baseline for understanding current practices in geriatric music therapy.
• Further research could explore comparative analyses based on employment type and regional differences.