As a tactic for managing dementia agitation, a caregiver plays her elderly client’s favorite songs.

Managing Dementia Agitation With Music-Based Care

/in , , , /by

What should be a quick morning routine suddenly turns into a power struggle. You’re patient. You explain each step. Still, your loved one becomes agitated as you try to help them get dressed. Voices rise. Hands pull away. Then you quietly play a song they once loved, and the tension eases just enough to keep moving forward. That pause—that softening—is the heart of a playlist sandwich.

A playlist sandwich uses carefully chosen music to support challenging moments in care, and in particular, for managing dementia agitation. It won’t eliminate every struggle, but it can make daily tasks feel less confrontational and more manageable.

So…What Is a Playlist Sandwich?

A playlist sandwich wraps music around a difficult task in three simple steps:

  • 1 minute of an upbeat, familiar song
  • The challenging care task
  • 1 minute of a calming, soothing track

The first song helps capture attention and lift mood. The task is completed while that emotional boost lingers. The final song helps the nervous system settle so the person isn’t left feeling upset or confused.

It’s intentionally short and adaptable. Music can come from a speaker, a phone, or your own voice if that feels easier.

How to Build a Playlist Sandwich

Begin with one routine that regularly causes stress.

1. Choose your task.

Think about when resistance or anxiety shows up most often:

    • Bathing or showering
    • Getting dressed for bed
    • Incontinence care
    • Hair or dental hygiene
    • Leaving the house

Choose just one to start.

2. Pick the “top slice” – the upbeat opener.

This should be a song that feels comforting and familiar. Consider:

  • Popular songs from their teens or young adulthood
  • Faith-based music they’ve always loved
  • A recognizable TV or movie theme

Play it for about a minute before beginning care to help reset their mood.

3. Complete the task while keeping the music present.

Let the music continue quietly as you help. You might:

  • Sing along while guiding movements
  • Keep your motions slow and rhythmic
  • Smile or sway gently

Engagement like humming or toe-tapping suggests the music is helping.

4. Pick the “bottom slice” – the calming closer.

After the task, shift to something soothing:

  • Instrumental music
  • Soft piano or string pieces
  • Nature sounds or slow hymns

This helps the body relax and signals that the stressful moment has passed.

When a Playlist Sandwich Is Especially Helpful

This technique often works well during:

  • Bathing routines that feel intrusive or frightening
  • Evening hours when dementia agitation increases
  • Moments of refusal, giving you a second chance after emotions cool

Everyone responds differently. Adjust volume, tempo, or song choice as needed. If a song causes agitation, stop and try another option next time.

Some days, music will transform the experience. Other days, it may only help a little—or not at all. That doesn’t mean it failed. Each attempt is part of finding gentle ways to support comfort and dignity.

Want More Help With Dementia Care?

If caregiving demands are becoming too much, CareWorks Health Services offers dementia-trained caregivers who can help establish calming routines that reduce stress and promote cooperation.

Contact us at (949) 859-4700 to learn how our dementia care services in Laguna Hills, Laguna Woods, Seal Beach, and throughout Orange County, California can improve daily life for your loved one.