Harmony in Care: Music Box Initiative
Harmony in Care: More Than a Music Player for Dementia Patients
Each box comes with various instruments, plus a personalized playlist of the songs your person loves, with links to the YouTube playlist and lyrics. It's free for caregivers and care partners.
What is the Music Box Initiative?
The Music Box Initiative is a grant-funded program designed to support care partners of individuals living with dementia.
Each free Music Box includes simple instruments and easy-to-follow instructions to inspire creativity, spark joy, and foster meaningful connections through the power of music.
You don't need to read music or play an instrument. You just need a little time together, whether that's a Sunday morning dance party in the kitchen or a few songs with the grandkids.
Our team sees the Music Box as one tool in your care plan, not just an activity. A free Care Navigation session can help you fit music into your days, and our caregiver support groups are a good place to swap ideas that work.
Harmony in Care is a program of the Alzheimer's & Dementia Resource Center (ADRC), (407) 436-7750, serving Orange and Seminole counties. It's one of the free services we offer to caregivers.
What comes in a music box for dementia patients?
Every box is put together with your person in mind, built around the music they listened to when they were young. A box may include:
Simple instruments
Various instruments that are easy to hold.
A playlist made for your person
The soundtrack of their life: songs chosen from your answers about the music your person loves.
Easy-to-follow instructions
Short activities and song prompts to start conversations and share memories.
How-to videos
Videos that show how to use each instrument in your kit.
Photos from the era
Pictures from the years the songs came out, to look at together while you listen.
How do I get a free Music Box?
Fill out the intake form
Use the English or Spanish form below. Tell us about the person you care for and the music they enjoy.
We follow up with you
ADRC's Arts & Care Services team reviews your form and contacts you about your box.
Your box is prepared
We put together instruments and a playlist that fit your person.
Make music together
Follow the instructions at your own pace. There's no right or wrong way to do it.
What families tell us
Unlike the frustrations of missing stitches or failed puzzles, music is forgiving. There's no right or wrong; she can drum to her own rhythm or simply sway to the tunes. More than just a pastime, music has become Aunt Bobbie's newfound purpose. It's a reminder that amidst the chaos of dementia, there are moments of clarity and joy, waiting to be embraced.
Is the Music Box the same as music therapy for dementia?
No. Music therapy for dementia is a clinical service led by a board-certified music therapist. The Music Box is a free activity kit that helps you, the care partner, use music at home in simple, everyday ways.
Both build on the same idea: familiar music can often reach a person living with dementia when words are hard. You can learn more about why on our page Remember My Song: The Power of Music.
If you'd like to explore music therapy, ask your person's doctor, or call us at (407) 436-7750 and we'll help you look at options.
Looking for a quiet moment for yourself, too? Our free Renewed Care devotional offers a short weekly moment of faith and encouragement for care partners.
Music Box Intake Form (English)
Tell us a little about you and the person you care for. We'll use your answers to choose songs and instruments. Fields marked * are required.
Formulario de solicitud de la Caja Musical (Español)
Cuéntenos un poco sobre usted y la persona que cuida. Usaremos sus respuestas para elegir canciones e instrumentos. Los campos con * son obligatorios.
Music Box questions from caregivers
Is the Music Box really free?
Yes. The Music Box is free for care partners of people living with dementia. The program is grant-funded.
Who can request a Music Box?
Care partners of someone living with Alzheimer's or another dementia. Fill out the English or Spanish intake form on this page, or contact Jean Taras at jean@adrccares.org or 407-436-7752.
Do I need musical experience?
No. The instructions are easy to follow, and music is forgiving. There's no right or wrong way to drum, sway or sing along.
Is there a Spanish version?
Yes. You can request your box with our Spanish intake form, and tell us if you'd like songs and instructions in Spanish. Sí, puede solicitar su Caja Musical en español con el formulario de arriba.
What is the best music for someone living with dementia?
Usually, the songs they loved when they were young. Music from a person's teens and early twenties often brings back the strongest memories and feelings. Watch how your person responds and keep the songs that bring comfort or a smile.
What is the best simple music player for an elderly parent with dementia?
The best music player for dementia patients is the simplest one your mom or dad can use alone. Keep it simple. A player with one or two large buttons, no screens to navigate and no ads between songs is easiest to use. A playlist of familiar favorites, ready to go, helps too.
My dad barely talks anymore. Will music still reach him?
It may. Caregivers often see a person who is almost nonverbal hum, tap along or sing the words to an old favorite. Every person is different, so try a few songs from their younger years and watch for a smile, a tapping foot or calmer breathing.
Can I use a YouTube playlist for someone with dementia?
Yes. A music playlist for dementia patients can live on YouTube or any streaming service. Put the favorites in one list, turn off autoplay so unfamiliar songs don't follow, and stay close by in case an ad or a loud song startles your person.
Should my person listen with headphones?
Try it and see. Headphones can block out background noise and help a person focus on the music. Some people don't like the feel of them, so a small speaker in a quiet room works just as well. Listening together is often the best part.
Where can I get a free music kit for someone with dementia in Central Florida?
Request a free Music Box from Harmony in Care, a program of the Alzheimer's & Dementia Resource Center (ADRC) using the English or Spanish form on this page. Call ADRC at (407) 436-7750, or contact Jean Taras at jean@adrccares.org or 407-436-7752.
Can music help with agitation or a hard part of the day?
It may. Calm, slow songs can help settle a tense moment, and upbeat favorites can lift energy for tasks like getting dressed. If a song seems to upset your person, turn it off and try something else.
Questions about the Music Box?
Jean Taras, our Arts & Care Services Manager, is happy to help you get started. Alzheimer's & Dementia Resource Center (ADRC), (407) 436-7750, serving Orange and Seminole counties.