Music Therapy's Share in the Diagnosis of Psycho-Geriatric Patients in The Hague

Abstract: The increasing average age and number of old-aged people in the steadily more complex and changing Dutch society is the cause of an increase in psycho-social and psychiatric problems amongst the elderly. The music therapists at the Rosenburg Psychiatric Centre in The Hague have, since l985, been involved in the diagnosis of these clients and in giving advice for the improvement of their care. The paper offers in particular an impression of the specifically music therapy orientated observation programme which was designed for this purpose. This programme is especially geared to observe the emotional, cognitive and interactive functioning of the elderly. Characteristic of this programme is, amongst other things, the way in which a great variety of data is compiled and processed within a short space of time. In this respect an essential element is the clearly defined way the tasks are divided between the two music therapists involved. Finally, attention will be given to: the multi-disciplinary framework within which all this takes place, music therapy's specific contribution, what is subsequently done with the information and the shortcomings and ideals of this way of working. This paper will be published by the BSMT later in l992, price on application.

Note: The Hague

Keyword(s): Diagnosis, psycho-geriatric, Dutch, elderly.

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