The Effect of a Home-Based Music Care Program on Caregivers of People Living with Dementia in Taiwan

Despite the growing number of people living at home with dementia, there is a lack of home-based music intervention, especially in Chinese-speaking societies. This study implemented a music care program and assessed its impact on the relationship between caregivers and people living with dementia in Taiwan. We recruited family caregivers of people with dementia for a non-randomized controlled trial. The experimental group participated in a 12-week Music Care Training Program for Dementia Caregivers and practiced music activities at home. Meanwhile, the control group provided standard care to their care recipients. The Mutuality, Positive Aspects of Care, and Rewards of Caregiving scales and the WHO-5 Well-being Index were implemented before and after the intervention. We used the scales' pretest scores as covariates and performed an analysis of covariance to compare the differences between the two groups. The experimental group consisted of 14 caregivers aged 43-76 years (with only one male), whereas the control group consisted of 11 caregivers aged 50-75 years (all female). After the intervention, ANCOVA results indicated the experimental group showed significantly higher scores than the control group on the Positive Aspects of Care scale and minor positive changes in the WHO-5 Well-being Index. In conclusion, caregivers' scores on the Positive Aspects of Care scale improved following the Music Care Program, which might suggest the program's potential effect on fostering positive experiences and improving relationships between caregivers and care recipients.