The Benefits of High-Quality Concerts in Long-Term Care
Live music is not a luxury in long-term care. It is a powerful, evidence-informed way to support emotional well-being, connection, and quality of life for residents and team members alike.
Concerts in Care Ontario has been bringing professional musicians into congregate care settings since 2011. Through tailored, interactive concerts, we create shared experiences that strengthen communities inside long-term care homes.
Music in Long-Term Care: More Than Entertainment
A Holistic Approach to Care
Recreation in long-term care is often viewed as “extra.” In reality, it is essential.
Ontario funding allocates approximately $102 per resident per day for nursing and personal care, and roughly $12 per resident per day for recreation, therapies, and support services. While that represents a small portion of funding, the return on investment for meaningful recreation is high.
Music supports a more holistic model of care by addressing emotional, social, cognitive, and physical dimensions of well-being. It complements clinical care by supporting connection and communication in ways that words alone often cannot.
Why Music Is So Powerful in LTC
Music is one of the most accessible and universal forms of expression. In long-term care, it is especially impactful because it:
- Encourages reminiscence and personal storytelling
- Sparks emotional responses
- Supports social connection
- Promotes synchronization of breathing, heart rate, and energy in group settings
- Is adaptable to different cognitive and physical abilities
The SHARE model highlights how music supports staffing, choice, health benefits, accessibility, reminiscence, and emotional response. It works across diverse needs and abilities, making it an ideal medium in care environments.
What Makes a High-Quality Concert?
Professional Musicians in Care Settings
Concerts in Care Ontario brings experienced, professional musicians into long-term care homes across Ontario. Performers are selected not only for musical excellence, but also for their ability to connect with older adults.
Concerts are:
- 30 to 40 minutes in length
- Interactive and conversational
- Adapted to each home’s language, space, time of day, and celebrations
- Designed to encourage connection, questions, and instrument exploration
Musicians often have prior experience in long-term care or receive orientation to the environment to ensure respectful, responsive engagement.
Tailored to Each Community
Concerts are not one-size-fits-all. We work with each home to consider:
- Resident demographics and language preferences
- Cultural celebrations and seasonal events
- Available space and mobility needs
- Equipment and acoustics
Our goal is to make each performance feel personal, not generic.
Research Partnership and Evaluation
Collaboration for Impact
Concerts in Care Ontario has partnered with:
- Sheridan Centre for Elder Research
- Research Institute for Aging (RIA)
- Schlegel Villages
Together, we have evaluated the impact of concert programming on residents, staff, and musicians.
Program Structure
Evaluation has included:
- 3-, 4-, and 8-week concert series
- 25- to 30-minute performances
- Concerts moving throughout Villages
- Promotion through calendars and posters
Data collection methods included direct observation and surveys for staff and musicians, shared via QR code, email, and word of mouth.
I have been having a difficult time adjusting to living in a retirement residence, but after the concert yesterday I felt I was part of life again.
Mary
Elliot Lake
Observed Benefits for Residents
Emotional and Social Engagement
Observers documented a wide range of positive responses during concerts.
Residents were seen:
- Smiling
- Clapping
- Singing
- Moving to the music
- Conducting along with performers
Some residents expressed emotional connection even when language barriers were present. One resident shared, “I don’t know what you’re saying, but it came out as love.”
Concerts sparked curiosity about genres, instruments, and musicians’ training. They encouraged conversation between neighbours, visitors, staff, and performers.
Respite and Shared Experience
Concerts also provided meaningful respite for care partners and visiting family members. For a short time, the focus shifted from care tasks to shared enjoyment and human connection.
The residents LOVED him… They felt they has an amazing music lesson. They want him back.
Teresa, staff
Sorrento Retirement
Impact on Team Members
Staff Well-Being and Job Satisfaction
Survey data from 110 team members across roles including Recreation, PSWs, RNs, and leadership showed:
- Average enjoyment rating of 9.1 out of 10
- Positive impact on well-being
- Improved job satisfaction
As one team member shared:
“It is a chain reaction. When the residents are happy, it impacts my day.”
When residents are engaged and joyful, staff morale improves. The emotional climate of the home shifts.
Beyond the Concert
We are exploring secondary benefits, including potential impact on:
- Falls
- Personal expressions
- Staff mood and morale
- Absenteeism
- Retention
While further research is ongoing, early findings suggest that high-quality recreation may influence broader quality indicators.
It is a chain reaction. When the residents are happy, it impacts on my day.
Schlegel Staff
Impact on Musicians
Meaningful Work and Connection
Among 22 musician respondents:
- Average enjoyment rating was 9.2 out of 10
- 100% reported a positive impact on their well-being
- 95% reported improved job satisfaction
Musicians described arriving early to connect with residents, taking requests, and building relationships.
One performer shared:
“Sometimes performing for them seems to create a spark. It feels good to have the opportunity to make a difference.”
Another reflected:
“It is a very good feeling to bring the joy of music to people, especially those who do not often have the opportunity to be surrounded by live music.”
These concerts are not transactional performances. They are relational experiences.
What We’ve Learned
What Staff Are Asking For
Staff feedback consistently calls for:
- More concerts
- A mix of musical genres
- Increased interaction
- Opportunities for sing-alongs
- Involving visitors
- Building set lists with residents
- Outdoor performances when possible
What Musicians Need
Musicians have highlighted the importance of:
- Clear communication with staff
- Advance knowledge of available equipment
- A designated performance area
- Adequate parking and logistical support
- Staff assistance to support residents during concerts
Strong coordination enhances the experience for everyone.
Bringing Concerts to Your Village
High-quality concerts are achievable in long-term care settings of all sizes.
Concerts in Care Ontario works collaboratively with homes to coordinate scheduling, logistics, and research support. Our goal is simple: create meaningful, professional live music experiences that enrich daily life.
Acknowledgments
This work has been made possible through collaboration with:
- Schlegel Villages
- Sheridan Centre for Elder Research
- Research Institute for Aging
- Concerts in Care Ontario
- Dedicated staff teams across participating homes
Contact Us
For more information about bringing Concerts in Care Ontario programming to your community:
kate.dupuis@sheridancollege.ca
debra@concertsincareontario.com
Live music changes the atmosphere of a home. It strengthens relationships. It restores joy. And it reminds everyone in the room that care is about more than tasks.