Music Therapy and Social Work Telehealth for Older Adult Well-Being

Launched by ALAINE E HERNANDEZ, PHD · Jan 12, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is exploring how music therapy combined with social work support can help improve the well-being of older adults through telehealth, which means these services are provided online. The study aims to reduce feelings of loneliness and improve thinking skills for older adults, including those with dementia. Researchers want to understand how well these services meet the needs of older adults, especially since many face challenges accessing traditional in-person support due to issues like transportation or financial limitations.

To participate in this study, you must be at least 65 years old, speak English, and live in Kentucky. You should be comfortable with online technology or have someone, like a family member or friend, who can help you use it. Participants will receive music therapy and social work support through virtual meetings, which can be a great way to connect with others from the comfort of home. The study is currently recruiting participants, and the researchers hope to gather valuable information that could lead to larger trials in the future, helping older adults access the support they need.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • age 65 or older
• • English-speaking
• • reside in Kentucky
• • willing to receive support from the research team on how to access Zoom (as needed)
• • EITHER a) have familiarity using digital technology and/or a video conferencing app such as Zoom, FaceTime, or Facebook Messenger, OR b) have a family member or friend who can facilitate Zoom access (i.e., "helper").
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • substance use disorder, which could present a confounding variable relative to the aims;
• • significant sensory impairment that interferes with Zoom use
• • current music therapy and/or social work case manager recipient
• • HELPERS: facilitate participation by older adults who are unfamiliar with using video conferencing technology and/or who lack consent capacity.
• Helper Inclusion Criteria:
• • at least 18 years old
• • cognitively unimpaired
• • live with or be able to go to the older adult's residence to assist them in participating in the study.
• Helper Exclusion Criteria:
• • under 18 years old
• • cognitively impaired
• • unable to assist the older adult in participating in the study for any reason