Top 5 Songs I Use in Eldercare for Labor Day

Labor Day this year is on September 4th. Around this holiday, I spend time reminiscing with my geriatric clients about their careers. Keep reading to learn my top five songs I use with this population to celebrate Labor Day.

1. "9 to 5" by Dolly Parton

Many of my residents resonate with the description of jobs in the service industry in this song. This song pairs well with instrument playing along to the pulsing eighth note rhythm throughout the verses of the song. It can also be used for lyric rewriting with the names and occupations of the residents.

Listen here.

2. "40 Hour Week" by Alabama

This song identifies various jobs in the industrial and factory sector, as well as those in service industries. The song expresses gratitude and appreciation for those who do this important work.

Find it here.

3. "It's Been a Hard Day's Night" by the Beatles

This upbeat song also pairs with instrument playing.

Click here to listen.

4. "Coal Miner's Daughter" by Loretta Lynn

This song describes a simple country life that many of my residents experienced growing up. I enjoy hearing their stories of life on the farm, strong family ties, and hard work.

Check it out here.

5. "Chain Gang" by Sam Cooke

One of my residents shared this song to me about prisoners in a chain gang working in road construction, ditch digging, or farming. Sam Cooke was inspired by their hard work amidst difficult conditions to write this song.

To listen to the song, click here.

Blooming Bridge Music Therapy, LLC specializes in eldercare, including Alzheimer's/Dementia care. If your organization is interested in group music therapy services in eldercare, you can find more information here.