Counseling to Meet the Mental Health Needs of Older Adults
Many of the older clients I encounter say, “Growing old isn’t for the faint of heart.” Their stories highlight the unpredictable changes that age brings to our bodies and minds. Despite these challenges, the mental health of older adults is often overlooked, though it is just as vital as physical health.
We all know that as we journey through the years, some degree of loss is inevitable. This is because, as we get older, each of us is bound to experience the losses of:
- Significant relationships
- Physical or cognitive abilities
- Independence
- Certain roles and identities
Feelings of loss may become a new normal, making adaptation difficult. However, adapting to the challenges of aging is essential for personal growth and well-being. The process invites older adults to find new meaning despite change.
- Rediscover who they are
- Find new ways of making meaning and identifying life purpose
- Grow spiritually or transpersonally
Caregivers of Older Adults Face Mental Health Challenges, Too
Caregivers of older adults face unique challenges and often experience complex emotions such as guilt, anger, resentment, depression, anxiety, or grief. In caring for someone unable to care for themselves, caregivers may struggle with:
- The change in the relationship: new roles, different dynamics
- The physical and emotional demands of providing care
- Managing other family conflicts that may arise
- Financial concerns
At the same time, caregiving offers opportunities for personal growth. Through caring for a loved one, caregivers can learn about themselves and grow in meaningful ways, especially if they have access to mental health support.
If either of these situations sounds familiar, know that you are not alone. Music therapy is a proven way to address factors that impact older adults’ mental health and quality of life. Read on to see how my services can support and enhance mental health for older adults.
Ways That Music Therapy Can Enhance Older Adult Mental Health
Here are examples from my work with older adults. Each vignette highlights a key aspect of mental health in aging and illustrates how my support enhances well-being.
Healthy Aging &
Life Transitions
A Client Who Retired Recently
A retiree client was struggling with their identity and the choices made in life. They also expressed concern about their mortality and how they’d grow older.
Together, we engaged in musical life review. This involved selecting meaningful songs from different phases of their life. After each song, we’d talk about their life at that time and the gifts that those experiences brought. This helped them gain greater understanding and appreciation for what they’d accomplished. A renewed confidence in facing elderhood was instilled.
When the client’s thoughts were getting too “headyâ€, we’d switch to vocalizing. These vocalizations fell into two categories. Sometimes relevant phrases would be chanted or we’d tone a single vowel on a single pitch. These experiences were helpful in getting them to connect with their feelings. As well, it helped them grieve the paths in life they didn’t take. Vocalizing allowed them to connect with who they are. At the same time, they could recognize the ways in which they could give back to others.
Adults with Memory or Cognitive Impairment
A non-verbal client with dementia
Thanks to the client’s family members, I knew a few songs that I thought the client would respond to in some way. Due to their sensory needs, I was careful to position myself in such a way that ensured that I could be seen and heard. As I’d sing familiar songs, the client appeared to smile, move to the beat, or mouth along to the words.
During one session which was also attended by family, I began singing a song I knew the client enjoyed. Soon after I started, the client began singing along. What’s more, the client was able to share a brief relevant memory after we finished singing. This was incredibly moving and meaningful for the family.
Palliative &
End-of-Life Care
WWII Veteran in the Late Stages of COPD
Due to the realities of end-of-life care, every session was different. Frequently I’d sing the songs that he wanted to hear from the War era. Since it was hard for him to talk, I’d provide him with different ways of choosing songs so that he could easily choose.
When he seemed anxious, I’d entrain the music with his breathing and watch for his response. During these times, he’d appear to become more relaxed. His breathing would deepen. At times he’d grow tearful.
Still, other times when he was more energized, I’d play recordings of the Big Band songs he requested. During these times, he’d smile and tap his toes. Sometimes he had enough energy to verbalize his experience and share his memories.
You can learn more about the hospice services I provide here.
“Tell Me More About Your Services”
I understand that you may still have some questions about how my counseling services could help you. Here are some questions I’m frequently asked about my mental health work with older adults:
Logistics About Therapy
How often would we meet, and how much does it cost?
The length of therapy varies by person, dependent upon a variety of factors. Usually, there is a period of a few months wherein weekly therapy sessions are necessary. This is because we need to establish rapport and develop a treatment plan. However, after this foundational time, sessions can taper off to every two weeks to once a month.
Eventually, sessions will no longer be necessary. Although sometimes people find occasional check-ins to be helpful. While at other times, they find reward in transitioning to music lessons.
Generally, the more complicated a person’s situation is the more time that may be necessary. Music therapy and counseling services are $100 an hour when provided in Longmont. They are $120 an hour when provided outside of Longmont. Through SonderMind, I also take insurance. I work with Aetna, Anthem (HMO and PPO), Cigna, United Healthcare ComPsych, and Profile EAP.
My loved one or I am home-bound. Can you come to us?
Yes, I can come to clients who live in Boulder County. This includes traveling to either private residences or to long-term care communities.
Why I Work with Older Adults
What Are Your Experiences Working with Older Adult Mental Health?
I have over 10 years of experience working with older adults. This includes working memory care and in end-of-life care. Because of this, I’m sensitive to the unique and complex needs that come with aging. As well, I have a deep appreciation of the needs and challenges of family caregivers. As a way to help support caregivers in the community, I teach the Powerful Tools for
Above all, I’m a strong proponent of aging well through creativity and contemplation.
Music Therapy
How could music make therapy more effective for my loved one or me?
Music can “amplify†the skills and insights gained from therapy. This is because music impacts us in many different, multifaceted ways. We are neurologically and physiologically hard-wired to respond to music. Moreover, music can connect us to unrecognized thoughts and feelings. At the same time while also serving as a means of communication and self-expression. We can create and investigate new ways of being by engaging with music.
My loved one or I am not musical, can music therapy still be beneficial?
Musical knowledge or ability isn’t necessary. The work in therapy has its focus on the process, rather than a final product. Music therapy isn’t necessarily about a performance. If needed, I will suggest accommodations or adaptations that can make it easier for you to make music.
How is music therapy different from taking music lessons?
Music therapy and music lessons have very different goals and focus. In therapy, the focus is on achieving specific therapeutic goals unrelated to music. Music serves as a tool, a vehicle for personal exploration, growth, and development.
On the other hand, the focus of music lessons is musical development. Although that isn’t to say that a person may not find lessons to be therapeutic. SoundWell provides adapted music lessons to those who may benefit from an adapted approach. See our Studio Policy for more information.
“I’d Like to Work With You. What Do I Need to Do Next?”
Congratulations on taking this next step in addressing your mental health needs. If you are seeking out mental health support for an older adult you know, thank you for taking this step. I know that this can be challenging.
If you have further questions, you can contact me by email. Otherwise, I offer a free 15-minute phone or online consultation that you can schedule here. During this consultation, we’ll talk discuss your situation in more detail and how I can help you.