At Unique Hospice, we are here to provide comfort and peace during this difficult time for our patients in hospice and palliative care. We strive to create a safe and supportive environment for our clients to explore their emotional connection with music to enrich their quality of life. Whether it is through singing familiar songs from your past or creating original music, you can trust that our music therapists will provide the highest level of care and understanding.
What is Hospice and Palliative Care Music Therapy?
Hospice and palliative care music therapy is a specialized form of therapy that combines the powerful effects of music with therapeutic practices to address physical, psychological, cognitive, and spiritual needs. Music therapists use both active and passive music experiences such as listening to or creating music to support individuals who are facing life-limiting illnesses.
Music Therapy Benefits for Seniors
Music therapy is an effective non-pharmacological intervention for elderly individuals in hospice and palliative care. Music has been shown to reduce anxiety, improve mood, increase relaxation, and increase feelings of comfort and safety. It can also help to reduce pain, provide emotional support and create meaningful connections with others. Lastly, music therapy can provide an opportunity for spiritual exploration and enable the expression of feelings that may otherwise be difficult to verbalize.
The Importance of Music Therapy at End-of-Life
For those at the end of life, music therapy can provide a sense of peace and comfort. Our hospice music therapists are specially trained to use music in a way that will bring about feelings of relaxation, joy, and connection with others. Music can also be used to honor traditions and express wishes for end-of-life care.
Benefits of Music Therapy for Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia
For individuals facing Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, music therapy can be especially beneficial. Music can help to reduce agitation, improve sleep patterns, express emotions and provide a sense of comfort. It can also help people engage in social interaction, recall memories from the past, and enable creative expression.
What Does an In-Home Music Therapy Session Look Like?
At Unique Hospice, our in-home music therapists use a variety of techniques such as singing, playing instruments, improvisation, songwriting, and movement to facilitate patient engagement. During each session, the music therapist will use evidence-based practices to assess the individual’s reactions to the session activity.
When to Begin Music Therapy in Hospice and Palliative Care
Music therapy is beneficial at any stage of the hospice and palliative care process. We suggest beginning music therapy as soon as possible to make the most of the powerful effects of music. We believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to experience the comfort and peace that music therapy provides during this difficult time.
In-Home Music Therapy with Unique Hospice
At Unique Hospice, we believe that music therapy has the power to improve the quality of life in hospice and palliative care. Our experienced music therapists create a safe and supportive environment in the home for our patients to express themselves through music. Contact us online or call (626)-335-7077 today to learn more.