What is Music Therapy in the Area of Palliative & Elder Care?
Music Therapy is the clinical and evidence-based use of music interventions to accomplish individualized goals within a therapeutic relationship by a credentialed professional who has completed an approved music therapy program. Music therapy interventions can be designed to promote wellness, manage stress, alleviate pain, enhance memory, improve communication, and provide unique opportunities for interaction. With memory loss due to some type of dementia, Alzheimer’s disease or head injury, music is a form of sensory stimulation, which provokes responses due to the familiarity, predictability, and feelings of security associated with it. The enjoyment and memories associated with music during a client’s life gives the music therapist a rich history on which to draw. Specific application of therapeutic goals can help the client participate in a broadening of their world, as limitations and loss leave their impact. Clients with dementia or any other disability can be involved in a positive, creative and expressive experience. The power and beauty of music aligned with therapeutic skills provides an opportunity to validate and honor each individual.
*Some information/resources adapted from American Music Therapy Association website 2013
Available Services:
-Residential care communities including assisted living, group homes, and skilled nursing
-Adult day programs
-Hospice and Palliative care
-Private in-home services
-Wellness programs
-Mental Health Services
What you can expect:
On the first two visits, the music therapist will assess the strengths and needs of the client. This will be completed through interviews and structured music therapy activities that will help determine if the client would benefit from services. If a need for music therapy services is verified, then goals and objectives will be established for that client. These objectives are accomplished through the relationships developed between the client/care giver, the music therapist and the music. Most sessions will utilize live music and incorporate a variety of music experiences. In the area of Palliative and Elder care these music experiences can include the following:
-Music listening
-Singing songs
-Music assisted relaxation
-Reminiscing
-Lyric Discussion of Songs
-Song Writing
-Movement
-Vocal or instrumental improvisation
-Songs as life review
Related Quotes:
"(Music therapy) can make the difference between withdrawal and awareness, between isolation and interaction, between chronic pain and comfort -- between demoralization and dignity.”-Barbara Crowe (past president of the National Association for Music Therapy)
"Music therapy provides opportunities to creatively express themes
significant to their life experiences, enabling them to live out their life,
and avoid just existing until death." -C. O'Callaghan
*For more information, or to schedule group/individual services contact:
