Those who are caregivers for people with special needs are always looking for new ways to help their clients. Alongside typical aspects of a healthy life, such as eating nutritious food and getting some exercise, listening to music may play a significant role in improving well-being. Here are five benefits people with special needs can gain from tuning in.

How Music Helps Those With Special Needs

1. Fostering Motivation

As people gain familiarity with a song, they often yearn to master the melody or get all the words down to sing along. Simply listening to music can help people gain motivation as they strive to understand more about each song, a unique benefit from this activity that is often thought of as passive.

2. Using Multiple Senses

Caregivers may encourage their clients to recreate the music they love on their own. For example, you might listen to a song together and then assist the person in playing their own percussion or strumming on the guitar. Adding these actions to the listening process creates a multi-sensory experience that will prove memorable and engaging.

3. Promoting Emoting

For most people, music evokes emotions. For those with special needs, emoting isn’t always easy since open conversation may not come naturally. Instead, people may share their emotions by singing or playing music and making sounds to indicate how they feel. Music can be a communication tool.

4. Encouraging Physical Activity

When people hear a good beat, they often can’t help but tap their foot or get up and dance. Caregivers can use music to inspire their clients to get moving by playing upbeat songs to get a cardio workout in or slower songs for mellower stimulation.

5. Fostering Social Skills

One study found that children who attended music lessons and had poor social skills were more sympathetic, handled conflict resolution better, and were more willing to share after partaking in regular lessons. By meeting new people and supporting one another during these classes, the students gained cooperation and collaboration skills.

If you’re looking for professional caregivers for an adult with special needs, contact Coulee Region Adult Day Center in La Crosse County, WI. The company has over 17 years of industry experience and their 1:4 staff-client ratio offers personalized care that promotes comfortable, compassionate relationships. Call the Onalaska-area facility at (608) 519-2306 or visit the website for information on their adult day services made up of engaging, entertaining, and educational programming.