What is music therapy?
Music therapy is an established health care profession in which clinically trained professionals use music and the way music affects the brain, body, and spirit to help address the physical emotional, and cognitive needs of a person.
Why is music therapy beneficial?
• Decrease confusion/disorientation
• Increase relaxation and comfort
• Provide emotional support
• Improve quality of life
• Prompt self-expression
• Develop healthy coping skills
• Improve speech/communication
• Increase family bonding/support
• Lower blood pressure
• Aid in life closure and legacy
Who benefits from music therapy?
Music therapy in hospice and palliative care can prove to be exceptionally beneficial while a person is experiencing great life changes. Those who might find this particularly beneficial are those who:
• Experience anxiety or depression
• Have dementia/Alzheimer’s
• Struggle with pain management or sleep
• Experience terminal agitation
• Struggle with communication or expression
What happens during a regular music therapy visit?
Every visit is different depending on the needs of the patient and family. Common techniques that may be used are listening and reminiscing to significant live music, singing and instrument playing, lyric discussion, and creative expression or writing of original songs. The frequency of visits depends on the needs of the patient and will be discussed during the first visit from your music therapist.
