Sometimes the smallest tools make the biggest difference in dementia care. Music, in particular, has a remarkable ability to reach parts of the brain that remain intact even as memory and communication become more difficult. A familiar song can spark recognition, soften resistance, and create a sense of comfort when words alone fall short. During moments that feel tense or emotionally charged, music can offer a gentle bridge. Music-based dementia care techniques like a playlist sandwich provide a simple, intentional way to use that power during difficult caregiving tasks.
Rather than pushing through resistance or escalating frustration, a playlist sandwich allows you to pause, connect, and guide your loved one through care routines with greater ease. It doesn’t eliminate every challenge, but it can help shift the emotional tone enough to make the moment more manageable for both of you.
So…What Is a Playlist Sandwich?
A playlist sandwich uses music in three intentional parts:
- 1 minute of an upbeat, familiar song
- The care task
- 1 minute of a calming, soothing song
The opening music helps establish comfort and capture attention, often drawing your loved one into the present moment. The care task takes place while that positive emotional state is still present, which can reduce resistance and confusion. The closing song signals that the stressful part is over, helping the body relax and preventing lingering agitation.
This approach is meant to be simple and flexible. You can play music from a phone, a small speaker, or a music player. If technology feels distracting or impractical, singing or humming works just as well. Familiarity matters more than sound quality.
How to Build a Playlist Sandwich
1. Choose your task.
Start with a routine that often causes stress or resistance:
- Bathing
- Dressing
- Incontinence care
- Leaving the house
Focus on one task at a time rather than trying to apply this method everywhere. Starting small allows you to experiment without pressure and notice what works best.
2. Choose meaningful music.
Select songs that carry emotional significance and familiarity:
- Favorites from young adulthood
- Hymns or spiritual songs
- Familiar television or movie theme music
Play or sing the song for about a minute before starting care. This pause helps your loved one mentally and emotionally transition, rather than feeling rushed or surprised by the task.
3. Stay gentle and connected.
As you assist with the care task, keep the music playing softly in the background. Match your movements to the rhythm and maintain a calm, reassuring presence. You might sing along quietly, sway gently, or move at a slower, more deliberate pace. Signs such as humming, tapping, or relaxed posture often indicate the music is helping them stay engaged.
4. End with calm.
Once the task is complete, switch to slower, soothing music. Remain nearby as things settle, allowing your loved one time to fully relax. This is a good moment to offer reassurance, adjust clothing for comfort, or simply sit together quietly.
When It Helps Most
Playlist sandwiches can be especially helpful during specific moments when tension tends to rise:
- Bathtime challenges. Bathing is often met with resistance because it can feel physically uncomfortable, confusing, or overly vulnerable for someone living with dementia. Starting the routine with a cheerful, familiar song and ending with calming music can help lower anxiety and make the experience feel less abrupt and more reassuring.
- Increased agitation in the evening. Many people with dementia experience heightened restlessness or irritability later in the day due to sundowning. Using a playlist sandwich during evening routines—such as changing into pajamas or preparing for bed—can help ease this transition when emotions are more likely to run high.
- Moments of refusal. When a loved one says “no,” pulls away, or asks to be left alone, continuing to push often escalates the situation. Taking a step back, playing an upbeat opening song, and trying again once the mood has softened can sometimes open a small window of cooperation that wasn’t there before.
Some days, music may noticeably transform the experience. Other days, it may only help a little. Both outcomes are still meaningful steps toward compassionate, person-centered care.
Want More Help With Dementia Care?
Our caregivers are trained to use supportive, person-centered techniques—including music-based dementia care techniques—that ease daily care and reduce stress for families.
Call 805-737-4357 to learn how our dementia care services in Santa Ynez, Lompoc, Santa Maria, and surrounding areas can support your family.