S4 Ep 4 The Secret Power of Music: How One Song Can Calm, Heal, and Connect

Welcome back to the Caregiver Secrets podcast! As many of you know, this is the show where we share practical advice, heartfelt stories, and encouragement for those who give their all to care for loved ones. Thank you for listening today. I want you to know that you’re not alone on this journey, and together, we’ll share the joys and challenges of caregiving with compassion and support. As always, let me remind you: this is not medical, financial, or health advice. Please consult with the appropriate professionals for specific concerns. My role is to inform and support you as best I can, but the actions you take are totally up to you. With that said, let’s get to work. What if I told you that a simple song could calm an agitated loved one, reduce your stress, and even bring back lost memories? Today, we’re talking about the surprising science of music therapy in caregiving. I think this is a great story to help shed some light on our topic. Robert never imagined that something as simple as a song could change everything. His mother, Evelyn, had always loved jazz. The rich melodies of Duke Ellington and the gentle rhythms of Ella Fitzgerald had once filled their home, a constant backdrop to family gatherings and Sunday afternoons. But after her Alzheimer’s diagnosis, the music had stopped. Evelyn no longer hummed along while washing dishes, no longer swayed to the beat while folding laundry. Instead, the afternoons had become filled with confusion, agitation, and moments of heartbreaking silence. Then one evening, as the sun cast long shadows across the living room, Evelyn became increasingly restless. She paced the floor, wringing her hands, frustration etched into every movement. “I need to go home,” she kept repeating, even though she was already home. Robert tried reasoning with her, but logic only made her more upset. Then he remembered something he had read about music and memory. Taking a deep breath, he pulled out his phone and found an old recording of “Take the A Train.” The moment the first few notes floated through the air, Evelyn stopped. Her body relaxed, her eyes widened with recognition. “Oh,” she whispered, a small smile tugging at her lips. “I love this song.” Robert watched in amazement as she began swaying to the music, her feet lightly tapping in rhythm. As the song played on, her agitation melted away. She sat down, closed her eyes, and for the first time in weeks, she looked at peace. That night, Robert realized the power of music. It wasn’t just sound—it was connection, memory, and comfort all wrapped into one. Music therapy is more than just playing a favorite song. Research shows that music activates the hippocampus, the part of the brain responsible for memory. Studies have found that familiar music can trigger deep-seated memories even in individuals with late-stage dementia. In fact, the Alzheimer’s Association reports that music can help reduce agitation, improve mood, and even encourage social interaction in those with cognitive decline. But it’s not just for those with dementia. Research from Johns Hopkins University found that listening to calming music can reduce cortisol levels—our primary stress hormone—by up to 31%. That means music doesn’t just help our loved ones—it helps us, too. So how can you use music in caregiving? Here are a few practical strategies: First, create a “Nostalgia Playlist.” Gather songs that your loved one enjoyed in their younger years. Studies show that music from our late teens and early twenties is most likely to spark memories. If you’re not sure which songs to choose, try playing popular hits from their era and watch for reactions. Next, try Tactile Music Therapy. Some people, especially those who are nonverbal, respond well to rhythm. Give your loved one a small drum, maracas, or even just let them tap their fingers along with the beat. Engaging in the physical aspect of music can be soothing and grounding. And don’t forget about music for stress relief. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, take three minutes to sit with your favorite calming song. Close your eyes, breathe deeply, and let the music do the work. Before we go, I want to leave you with a mantra from my book, Get Risen: I am living in the divine flow, and good things are continuing to show. Music has the power to remind us of the good, to lift our spirits, and to bring comfort even in the hardest moments. I’d love to hear from you. Have you ever used music to shift a tough moment? Share your story in the comments or email me. And if this episode resonated with you, don’t forget to subscribe and share it with another caregiver who might need it today. And don’t forget to join our Facebook community at bit.ly/CaregiverSecretsOnFacebook, where we share stories, tips, and encouragement. Together, we can build a village of support and make this journey a little lighter. Finally, I’d love for you to grab a free copy of my book, Get Risen. It’s written by a family caregiver for caregivers, and you can get it at bit.ly/GetRisen. Until next time, take care and remember, you’ve got this.