Music programs for the institutionalized elderly in a midwestern metropolitan area

This investigation concerned the status of music programs in licensed nursing homes in St. Louis, Missouri. Data were obtained by means of a mailed questionnaire, interviews with selected administrators, and visits to selected homes. Almost all of the institutions surveyed offered musical activities for their residents. In many instances, these consisted largely of recreational singing or visits to the institution by outside performing ensembles. In a few instances, more complete music programs were offered, in which residents benefited not only from the use of music for recreation but also from its educational and therapeutic potential.