Music Therapy in Home Hospice Care

What is music therapy?

Music therapy is the clinical use of music to support the physical, social and emotional needs of patients. It is offered by board-certified music therapists.

How can music therapy benefit in-home hospice patients?

Music therapy is designed to assess the individual needs of each home hospice patient and may include listening to live music, relaxation or moving to patient-preferred music, life review activities, song composition and improvisation. Music allows patients an enjoyable, non-threatening form of communication that promotes social interaction, sensory stimulation, expression of feelings or thoughts, improved relaxation, boosted mood, management of and/or distraction from pain, and it creates a platform for joy, spirituality and calming memories.

Board-Certified Music Therapist Pam sees the impact music therapy can have on hospice patients.

“One of my most memorable patients had end-stage Alzheimer’s disease, and one of the symptoms that was most difficult for her (and the staff at the assisted living she called home) to manage was her anxiety. She had PTSD and anxiety related to her childhood experiencing WWII in Eastern Europe. She often cried, yelled for help and was resistant to having personal care provided. The physician and hospice team had tried multiple medications to help manage her anxiety. They did find one that worked, but both the family and facility were hesitant to use it,” Pam said.

“A referral for music therapy was made with the goal of decreasing anxiety. I was quick to learn that the patient loved music! She not only became almost instantly calm, but she smiled and started singing along. She made better eye contact and staff were more easily able to provide her personal care. Even as her dementia progressed, she recognized the sound of my voice. She often had her eyes closed, but when I greeted her or first strummed my guitar, she would open her eyes and smile. I was able to teach the facility staff what music or sounds were triggers for her anxiety and what was helpful in calming her when I was not present. She started to sleep more calmly, was less disruptive with other residents and was able to have more meaningful visits with her daughter. Music therapy sessions took place weekly for her for more than six months. During that time, her health continued to decline, but her anxiety was much better managed, and her quality of life improved greatly. She died peacefully surrounded by family and music.”

Who is eligible for music therapy?

While most hospice patients could benefit from music interventions, eligibility is on a case-by-case basis for patients that would be best served by music therapy services. Some common criteria include: patients experiencing pain, agitation, discomfort, emotional stress, cognitive deficiencies or limited social interaction.

Please note: music therapy is available in select Elara Caring service areas.

How do I learn more about hospice and other Elara Caring services?

Contact your local Elara Caring branch for more information on services.