And even though the music itself does not act as a medical treatment, it can aide in the quality of life for both patients and their caregivers. Music can help relieve stress, anxiety and depression for both parties. As well, music can be used to connect with individuals with dementia who have trouble communicating. 

When it comes to finding the right type of music to help a loved one with dementia by soothing through music, consider these factors. 

• Musical Preferences – It’s probably not best to try to stimulate your loved one with music that they are unfamiliar with. Try to find music that fits their taste or that they have fond memories attached to. Calm music is better to help soothe the environment and decrease agitation while a bit livelier music is great to get your loved one active and maybe even participate in a dance!
• Sing With The Music – There are studies that suggest music can stimulate memory. Sing along with the music and try to get your loved one to join in. Music is great for people with dementia because the part of the brain linked to music memory is not affected by the disease. Not only will singing along help with memory functions, but it’s a great way to enhance mood and creating bonding moments. 
• Pay Close Attention – Even though you may pick music that you know that your loved one loves; they may not enjoy it at that exact moment. Watch body language and facial expressions to identify signs of enjoyment or agitation. If the individual seems to enjoy the music, play it for them often. If not, choose different music that might click better with them. 
• Reduce Noise – While you are playing music, be mindful of what is happening around you. TV and other outside noises can cause over-stimulation and confusion. Close off any sounds that could disturb the music and allow your loved one to focus on the music alone. 
• Music And Sleep – If your loved one responds well to calming music, it may be a good idea to play calming music to help your loved one fall asleep. Likewise, it could be useful during meal times to alleviate agitation during meals and help the individual eat and digest food better. 

Even though music therapy isn’t considered a medical treatment, there are obvious benefits that can help comfort and ease your loved one’s emotions during periods of discomfort. This is a great tool for caregivers to use also to decompress and release tension from full-time and even part-time caregiving. If you are unsure which music to try with your loved one, try different types of music for one that fits. Don’t be afraid to ask your doctor for any suggestions or resources he/she might have. 

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Herb gardens are a wonderful, therapeutic pastime for seniors. They’re easy to care for and provide a sense of “creating” something new. Many seniors enjoy spending time creating different types of herb gardens. The most creative ones are designed for small spaces like apartments without a backyard and above first-floor patios. There are dozens of ways that seniors can create their own beautiful herb garden. 

Here are some super simple and fun ways for seniors to create an herb garden of their own. 

Outdoor Gardens 
Putting herbs outside is the best way to go if they have the space for it. Herbs need sunlight and definitely will thrive better if the environment is good. Seniors can also get creative with outside gardens. SYNERGY HomeCare caregivers enjoy helping seniors use their imaginations, hands and creativity.

1. 1. Hanging gardens – Hang a plant holder from above to let the herbs grow. This way the herbs get sunlight and fresh air and take up no space at all. This is also a great way to grow tomato and strawberry plants. The combination of herbs and fruits is beautiful. 
   2. Pallet gardens – Get an old pallet and turn it into a standing herb garden. Not only does it have the feel of a “in the ground garden,” it also won’t take up a lot of space. Of course, this makes a gorgeous space after it is created. All that’s needed is the pallet, landscape fabric, the plants/herbs to grow, and soil. Staple the landscape fabric to one side of the pallet, fill the other side with soil and start planting. If you want to take it a step further, paint the pallet and identify which herb is going in which section. An added benefit of pallet gardens is how much easier they are to keep weed free. 
   3. Tea cup gardens – These are most seniors’ favorite. They can sit on your patio table with tiny herbs growing in them. They are decorative and fun! Seniors often use containers that have special meaning to them, like a special coffee mug.

Indoor Gardens
Because herbs require sunlight, make sure there is plenty of sun facing the garden. Indoor gardens are fun because there are several options to make the space special. 

1. 1. Wall shelf gardens – Use mason jars or old rustic cups to plant herbs in and house on the wall shelves. Make sure the shelves are in a well-sunlit area. 
   2. Windowsill gardens – If your kitchen has a window, use the windowsill to hold a number of smaller herb plants – succulents look amazing here too. 
   3. Bookshelf garden – Use a slim bookshelf to create a unique indoor garden. Each herb can be identified using small picture frames as name holders. This is a great way to expand the garden and get more out of it without taking up too much space.

Whichever way you choose to do it, growing a garden is therapeutic and fun. It is a hobby that can bring joy year-round.  It brings decoration and life into your home and gives you something to take pride in. These are just a few things you can do to create an herb garden in a small space. Use your imagination and see what you can come up with!  Then enjoy the fruits of your labors by quickly adding your homegrown herbs in meals.  

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