This helpsheet is a useful guide to consider the use of music and personalised playlists to encourage engagement of a person living with dementia.

Using music that is familiar and preferred by the person living with dementia can provide an opportunity to engage in an activity, which may stimulate emotions and movement (dance), address social and spiritual needs and help connect the care partner to the person.

The guide explains why you might consider introducing music as a therapeutic intervention, and who is likely to benefit.

The guide also gives some tips on what to consider on who is likely to benefit, how you would introduce music into a person’s individual activity plan and special considerations.