Yoik in Sami elderly and dementia care – A potential for a culture sensitive music therapy?

Abstract

Introduction: The positive impact of familiar, individualized and patient-preferred music in dementia care is acknowledged in the literature. However, traditional indigenous music practices in care contexts are less studied. This study focuses on yoik, a traditional vocal music of the indigenous Sami people of Fennoscandia. The aims of this exploratory study were to investigate key participants’ experiences with yoik in care settings, as well as their thoughts with regard to a future study of yoik as a non-pharmacological intervention in Sami elderly and dementia care. Method: Qualitative in-person in-depth interviews with close relatives of persons in need of care, as well as healthcare professionals were analysed using qualitative content analysis. Results: The participants shared that they had observed positive effects whenever yoik was applied in Sami elderly and dementia care, even in persons without a known yoik familiarity. No unwanted effects were reported. The participants supported the idea of a possible clinical investigation of yoik as culturally sensitive music therapy in the future. They recommended that yoik should be implemented on a regular basis in Sami elderly and dementia care. Conclusion: The participants agreed that yoik has potential as a non-pharmacological intervention in Sami elderly and dementia care, and that further investigation is warranted.