February 2, 2026 by
You’re helping Mom through her evening routine. The plan is simple: change clothes, wash up, and head to bed. But the closer you get, the more tense she becomes. Her shoulders stiffen. Her voice sharpens. Suddenly, everything feels harder than it should. Then you quietly start singing a song she loved decades ago. Almost immediately, something shifts and there’s relief from her dementia-related agitation. Her breathing slows. Her hands relax. That small moment of ease is exactly what a “playlist sandwich” is meant to create.
A playlist sandwich uses music to gently support difficult moments in dementia care. It’s not a cure-all, but it can soften resistance and create just enough calm to get through a tough task together.
So… What Is a Playlist Sandwich?
Think of it as surrounding a challenging task with music that helps regulate mood and emotion:
- 1 minute of an upbeat, familiar song
- The challenging care task
- 1 minute of a calming, soothing track
The opening song draws attention and sparks positive feelings. The care task happens while that emotional lift is still present. The final song helps the body and mind relax again, preventing lingering agitation.
This approach is flexible. You can use a phone, a small speaker, or your own voice. Even humming works if technology feels overwhelming.
How to Build a Playlist Sandwich
Start with one routine that consistently causes stress rather than trying to fix everything at once.
1. Choose your task
Focus on a moment that regularly brings tension, such as:
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- Bathing or showering
- Changing clothes in the morning or evening
- Incontinence care
- Brushing teeth or hair
- Preparing to leave the house
Pick one situation and use it as your test run.
2. Pick the “top slice” – the upbeat opener
The goal is familiarity and positivity, not just noise. Good options include:
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- Songs they enjoyed dancing to in earlier years
- Hymns or spiritual music tied to meaningful memories
- Theme songs from favorite movies or television shows
Play or sing the song for about a minute before beginning. This gives their brain time to shift focus.
3. Do the task while staying connected to the rhythm
As you begin the care task, keep the music softly playing. You might:
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- Sing while fastening buttons or tying shoes
- Gently sway as you guide them
- Move your hands in time with the beat
If they start humming, tapping, or smiling, the music is doing its job.
4. Pick the “bottom slice” – the calming closer
Once the hardest part is over, transition to something slower:
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- A soft instrumental version of a favorite song
- Gentle piano or string music
- Nature sounds or a slow hymn
This signals safety and closure. Sit together for a minute, offer water, or simply enjoy the quiet.
When a Playlist Sandwich Works Best
This strategy can be especially helpful during:
- Bathtime struggles. Music can reduce fear and discomfort during washing.
- Evening agitation. Use it during bedtime routines when sundowning is common.
- Moments of refusal. If you hear “No,” step back, start the opener song, and try again once emotions settle.
What works one day may not work the next. Adjust volume, timing, and song choice as needed. If a song causes irritation, switch it out.
Some days, the playlist sandwich will feel magical. Other days, it may barely help at all. Both are normal. The real value lies in using kind, non-medication strategies that prioritize dignity and comfort.
Want More Help With Dementia Care?
If caring at home feels overwhelming, our specially trained caregivers can help establish supportive routines—including music-based ones—that reduce stress for everyone involved.
Contact us any time at (315) 579-HOME (4663) to learn how our dementia care services in Syracuse, Salina, Camillus, and throughout Central New York can help improve your loved one’s quality of life.