The impact of community music therapy intervention in older adults' care home communities: assessing community music therapists' views

Community music-therapy (CMT) service evaluation in older adults’ care home communities is an important process to enhance the quality of therapists’ outputs and the development of client-centred approaches to meet the needs of residents and community. However, administrative limitations that could affect therapists’ contact time with clients may lead to the underestimation of service evaluation within the system. This study aims to explore community music therapists’ perceptions of the impact of their services in older adults’ care home communities using a qualitative approach based on semi-structured interviews. The therapists were asked to reflect on specific aspects of their community music therapy service, potential cognitive-behavioural and physiological effects of therapy, best-practices for assessment in MT and challenges experienced in this particular setting. Participants highlighted the unique value of CMT in care home communities. They demonstrated the ability to detect and assess impacts of CMT using clinical analysis methods, which can improve care plans for the residents. However, certain limitations, such as reduced hours, inadequate funding and a lack of recognition of CMT’s benefits by care home staff, were identified. Moreover, the analysis shed light on how COVID-19 impacted the CMT service in this context, emphasizing the need for adaptability and resilience in providing care. The implications of the results in an Italian community context are further analysed and discussed, stressing the importance of supporting CMT as a fundamental service in care home communities for older adults. By addressing the highlighted limitation and embracing the perspectives of community music therapists, care homes can optimize their services and enhance the well-being of their residents.