Professional Dementia Caregivers' Use of Music in Care: An Australian Workforce Survey.

The high prevalence and acuity of people living with a diagnosis of dementia in residential aged care create a stressful working environment for professional caregivers. Caregivers using music in care report improved connection with residents and increased capability. Examining how caregivers currently use music in care is required to inform how therapeutic music use can be advanced in residential dementia care. This study examined how music is currently used by professional caregivers in Australia and the personal and professional factors that influence this practice and perceived benefits, barriers, and enablers. We conducted a cross-sectional survey of professional dementia caregivers and residential aged care managers, recruiting participants from partner organizations across Australia. Descriptive statistics summarized music use; thematic content analysis was applied to qualitative responses; and correlation analysis examined relationships between caregiver music use and personal/organizational factors. We found professional dementia caregivers commonly used recorded music in group settings and felt confident. Enablers included support from colleagues, managers, and music therapists; access to music resources/technology; and positive experiences. Barriers included limited equipment availability, uncertainty about how to use music in care, and not observing benefits for residents. Findings suggest opportunities for music therapy practitioners and researchers to enhance caregivers' therapeutic use of music in dementia care. Practice and future research should consider contextual factors to optimize implementation and sustainability, with implications for Australian and global settings discussed.