Comusichiamo. First Language, Life-Soundtracks and Storytelling to Support the Cultural Wellbeing of Migrants Living with Dementia

Abstract

This study, located at the intersection of anthropology, ageing, music therapy and dementia, explores the value of music, life-storytelling and first language, to support the cultural identity and wellbeing of people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds living with dementia in Australia. It uses participant observation, the collection of oral histories and ‘life soundtracks’ to co-create a song with older Italian migrants and their families. This paper presents the first case study which informed the development of the music engagement program we call Comusichiamo (let’s make music together). The case study shows that the co-creation of a culturally tailored song, composed and sung in first language, can enhance physical and social engagement, and contribute to the general wellbeing of participants living with dementia, and their carers. Central to the program is the sharing of life history, comprising autobiographic memory, the use of ipsissima verba, the precise words participants employ repeatedly, and ipsissima fabula, the particularistic stories participants narrate frequently. This music engagement program supports a relationship-centred approach to dementia care, drawing on narrative theory and anthropological notions of personhood, and Benenzon’s notion of ‘sound identity’, to support cultural safety, protect personhood, and guard against ‘social death’.