A Home-Based One-on-One Music-Assisted Intervention Model for Older Adult Care

A Home-Based One-on-One Music-Assisted Intervention Model for Older Adult Care Design Principles and Practical Observations Lai, Wei-Yi 1. Introduction As populations age, home-based care has become a central focus of long-term care systems worldwide. In Taiwan, the Long-Term Care 2.0 policy emphasizes aging in place, individualized support, and the integration of community and home care resources. Within this context, non-pharmacological, low-risk, and adaptable interventions are increasingly valued. Music-assisted interventions have been widely applied in group-based and institutional settings. However, fewer studies have articulated structured models specifically designed for one-on-one home-based contexts, where environmental variability, caregiver roles, and individual functional differences require careful consideration. This paper presents a home-based one-on-one music-assisted intervention model developed through practical implementation and iterative refinement in gerontological education and care-related contexts. The aim of this work is to establish a clear, replicable framework that can be referenced by caregivers, educators, and practitioners engaged in individualized older adult care. 2. Policy Alignment and Home-Based Care Context The proposed model aligns with key objectives of Taiwan’s Long-Term Care 2.0 policy, particularly in the areas of disability prevention, maintenance of daily function, emotional well-being, and support for family and community caregivers. Home-based care environments differ significantly from institutional settings due to limited space, varying acoustic conditions, and the presence of family members or informal caregivers. Accordingly, interventions conducted in home settings must prioritize simplicity, safety, flexibility, and respect for personal boundaries. The model described herein was designed to operate within these constraints while maintaining structural clarity and professional consistency. 3. Design Principles of the One-on-One Intervention Model The home-based one-on-one music-assisted intervention model is founded on five core design principles: Individualization: Session pacing, sound intensity, and activity selection are adjusted according to the participant’s physical condition, cognitive status, and emotional responsiveness. Non-invasiveness: All interventions avoid physical strain, complex instructions, or sustained stimulation. Sensory Coherence: Musical elements are selected to support a stable and predictable sensory environment. Time Efficiency: Sessions are designed to be effective within short durations, typically 20 to 40 minutes. Role Clarity: Clear distinction is maintained between educational or supportive intervention and medical or clinical treatment. These principles ensure that the model remains appropriate for non-clinical application while preserving professional rigor. 4. Session Structure and Time Allocation A standard session follows a five-stage structure: Arrival and Environmental Preparation (5 minutes)Adjustment of seating, lighting, and ambient noise; brief verbal check-in. Sound Orientation and Breathing Synchronization (5–8 minutes)Gentle sound introduction using voice, simple instruments, or sustained tones to support attentional settling. Core Music-Assisted Activity (10–15 minutes)Application of harp sound fields, tuning fork resonance near the body, or slow rhythmic patterns, depending on participant responsiveness. Passive Listening or Guided Awareness (5–8 minutes)Reduced verbal input; emphasis on listening and bodily perception. Closure and Observation (3–5 minutes)Session conclusion, brief reflection, and caregiver feedback if present. This structure provides consistency while allowing flexible adaptation. 5. Tools and Materials The model employs tools selected for safety, portability, and ease of use: Lever harp or small harp Tuning forks with stable frequencies Simple percussion instruments Voice-based tonal guidance All tools are used within an educational and supportive framework, without diagnostic or therapeutic claims. 6. Safety Considerations and Caregiver Roles Safety is a primary consideration in home-based intervention. The practitioner maintains continuous observation of participant comfort and responsiveness. Interventions are discontinued or modified if signs of fatigue, discomfort, or overstimulation arise. Caregivers, when present, are positioned as observers or supportive assistants rather than intervention leaders. This role delineation prevents role confusion and supports ethical boundaries. 7. Practical Observations and Applicability Across multiple applications in educational and community-oriented contexts, the model demonstrated consistent feasibility and positive engagement. Participants commonly exhibited increased attentional stability, emotional calmness, and willingness to participate in subsequent sessions. From a practitioner perspective, the model supports reproducibility and scalability, allowing adaptation for caregiver training programs, community outreach initiatives, and interdisciplinary collaborations involving music, education, and long-term care services. 8. Conclusion This paper presents a structured home-based one-on-one music-assisted intervention model designed to meet the practical and policy-driven needs of older adult care. By articulating clear design principles, session structures, and safety considerations, the model contributes a professional and replicable framework for individualized non-pharmacological support. The model offers a foundation for future observational studies, training curricula, and cross-sector applications within aging-in-place care strategies.