When I first started my journey with State of the Heart Hospice, I was introduced to all the various disciplines, Nursing, Hospice Aides, Chaplain Services, Bereavement Specialists, who all work together to provide a cocoon of support for both the patient and family, it seemed odd that the final discipline I should meet with would be Music Therapy.  Knowing nothing about the amazing effect music can have on the brain outside of  ’ Hey, that’s a cool song’, I admit to thinking of it as some weird New-Age mysticism.  I was soon humbled.

The Music Therapist for State of the Heart was sweet and kind, carrying all her instruments with the same skill of a Nurses bag, she swept into the Alzheimers unit like a fresh breeze, smiling and greeting everyone as she passed – me in towe.  Upon entering the patients room we were scheduled to have a session with that afternoon, the Nurse entered from the facility and told our Music Therapist that the patient had not been responsive in a few days, barely eating and making no movement or gesture to any of the staff.

As the session begain, I found out that the Therapist had already been in contact with the family prior to her visit, asking questions about her favorite songs and styles of music.  And as the session begain I watched as a tired stonic face melted, a slight smile in the corner of her mouth and a toe slightly tapping.  This response was monumental for her, and as the Therapist took  her hand, she managed to squeeze it, as if to say ‘Thank You for finding me again, if only for a moment.’

No, Music Therapy isn’t some weird New-Age mysticism, it’s a real blessing to all who have been a part of a session.  So this week, I’ll be focusing on what Music Therapy really is, and How it can help you and your loved ones, check back later in the week!

This entry was posted on Tuesday, June 1st, 2010 at 9:47 am and is filed under State of the Heart. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.