Effect of Music Therapy and Music Focused Interventions on Fall Rates in a Memory Care Unit

Authors

• Emily Spanier, College of Saint Benedict and Saint John's University
• Cassie Howe, College of Saint Benedict and Saint John's University
• Hannah Reiter, College of Saint Benedict and Saint John's University
• Paige Mauer, College of Saint Benedict and Saint John's University

Document Type

Paper

Publication Date

4-30-2026

Disciplines

Nursing

Advisor

Georgia Hogenson

Abstract

This quality improvement project examined the effect of music therapy and activity-focused interventions on fall rates in a memory care unit at a long-term care facility. The project was developed after staff identified falls as a major safety concern, with the memory care unit accounting for a disproportionate number of facility-wide falls. Through audits and observations, the team found that boredom, wandering, restlessness, and lack of meaningful engagement were common contributing factors to falls among residents with dementia. To address this issue, the team implemented low-cost, person-centered interventions including playing familiar music through Alexa, encouraging participation in simple arts and crafts, engaging residents in conversation and reminiscence therapy, and utilizing an interactive Lucynt table with cognitive games. Literature reviewed for the project supported the use of individualized, activity-based interventions and music therapy to improve engagement, reduce agitation, and decrease fall risk in dementia populations. Following implementation, fall rates on the memory care unit decreased from 18 falls in January 2026 to 9 falls in April 2026, while staff also reported increased resident engagement and decreased wandering behaviors. Although other contributing factors may have influenced outcomes, the project demonstrated the potential benefits of meaningful engagement and music-based interventions as evidence-based strategies for improving quality of life and reducing falls among residents with dementia.

Recommended Citation

Spanier, Emily; Howe, Cassie; Reiter, Hannah; and Mauer, Paige, "Effect of Music Therapy and Music Focused Interventions on Fall Rates in a Memory Care Unit" (2026). Celebrating Scholarship and Creativity Day (2018-). 353.
https://digitalcommons.csbsju.edu/ur_cscday/353