Nature-based video and classical music’s effects on tranquility among memory care residents with dementia

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5055/ajrt.2020.0225

Keywords:

dementia, nature, music, indoor ecotherapy, tranquility, recreational therapy, healthcare management, long-term care

Abstract

This case study reports the effects of viewing nature photographs with classical music on participants’ tranquility levels among 10 memory care residents living with dementia. This study utilized a pre-/post-design with residents’ rating their tranquility level and a certified Nurse Aid observer rating each resident’s perceived tranquility level both before and after the video intervention using a Tranquility Scale. Statistical analyses suggested that residents’ tranquility levels from both residents’ and staff’s perspectives showed significant improvement after the intervention compared to their baseline. These findings are discussed in relation to the literature on nature-based and music therapies. We also offer practical implications for recreational therapists and memory care workers.

Author Biographies

Jun Kim, PhD

Recreation Professions Program, School of Human Sciences, Southern Illinois University Carbondale, Carbondale, Illinois

Robert Rados, PhD

Health Care Management, School of Health Sciences, Southern Illinois University Carbondale, Carbondale, Illinois

Namyun Kil, PhD, CTRS

Department of Recreation Management and Therapeutic Recreation, University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, La Crosse, Wisconsin

Shintaro Kono, PhD

Faculty of Kinesiology, Sport, and Recreation, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

Kari Kensinger, PhD, CTRS

Therapeutic Recreation of Nebraska, Omaha, Nebraska

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Published

12/20/2021

How to Cite

Kim, PhD, J., Rados, PhD, R., Kil, PhD, CTRS, N., Kono, PhD, S., & Kensinger, PhD, CTRS, K. (2021). Nature-based video and classical music’s effects on tranquility among memory care residents with dementia. American Journal of Recreation Therapy, 19(4), 35–40. https://doi.org/10.5055/ajrt.2020.0225

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