Evaluating a Structured MUSIC CARE9 Program to Reduce Hygiene Care Refusal in Nursing Home Residents with Dementia

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are studying whether a structured music program called MUSIC CARE9 can reduce care refusal in older adults with dementia living in nursing homes. Care refusal is when a person with dementia resists or refuses daily care activities like bathing or dressing, which can be stressful for both residents and caregivers. The study compares different ways of using music during care to see if it lowers care refusal, behavioral symptoms, medication use, and caregiver burnout. The study has three groups one receiving usual care where MUSIC CARE9 may be used at caregivers discretion, a second group using 20 minutes of MUSIC CARE9 during daily hygiene care for 4 weeks, and a third group using 40 minutes of MUSIC CARE9 split before and during care for 4 weeks. MUSIC CARE9 delivers personalized instrumental music sequences through a tablet and speakers, following a specific protocol designed to relax and engage residents. Participants will be monitored daily for care refusal levels during hygiene sessions for 4 weeks, with neuropsychiatric symptoms and medication use assessed at baseline, 4 weeks, and 8 weeks. Caregivers will complete burnout questionnaires anonymously at three time points. The study aims to evaluate the impact of this music program on resident care acceptance, behavior, medication needs, and caregiver well-being over the course of the trial.

Protocolized Receptive Music Intervention to Reduce Care Refusal in Nursing Home Residents With Major Neurocognitive Disorders