Music: The Universal Language of Heart and Soul

Article submitted by VITAS.
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Effective Support Therapies Ease Hospice Patients' Days

Music therapy is a non-invasive technique that is effective for reducing anxiety, managing pain, decreasing respiratory distress and fostering relaxation.

"People of diverse backgrounds, ages and abilities can gain therapeutic benefits through music therapy," said Bryn McCabe-Weiland, MT-BC, a Music Therapist for VITAS Innovative Hospice Care^® of Chicagoland Northwest. "When caring for those at the end of life, music can bind with other healing efforts to address the physical, emotional, spiritual, cognitive and social needs of hospice patients."

Music therapists draw from an extensive array of music therapy interventions. For example, the therapist and patient might compose a song to help express feelings; a patient often breathes easier while participating in a music-facilitated relaxation intervention; Alzheimer's patients who have been non-verbal for some time may be able to sing a favorite hymn with their spouse.

"Music therapy is used in healthcare to express and explore feelings, increase relaxation, decrease fear of the of the dying process and decrease symptoms of pain," explained Virginia L. Gross, also a Music Therapist for VITAS Innovative Hospice Care^® in the Lombard program. "A hospice patient's quality of life is enhanced when hearing their preferred music."

Virginia recalls a patient who had a degenerative neurological disorder. "We used the music to 'My Favorite Things' to write a song about her own favorite things, then recorded it with the patient playing a xylophone. She shared it with her children, and they were so pleased they had tears in their eyes during some parts and laughed during others."

Music therapy uses movement, singing, instrument playing, song composition, life review and guided imagery techniques to accomplish therapeutic goals based on the patient's individual needs. Guitar, keyboard, voice, harp and a variety of rhythm instruments might be used during a session.

Another patient with cardiovascular disease now plays the keyboard again after avoiding it for several years. Her breathing eases, and she smiles from ear to ear each time she plays. She has built a collection of music she can play at the nursing facility, and enjoys music whenever she feels in the mood.

"One of my patients found hat sentimental music and hymns helped with her restlessness, agitation and sleeplessness," said Bryn. "As she approached death, her daughter found that the music lessened her own anxiousness about being with her mother when she was dying. She believed the gift of music made her death a beautiful experience for the family. Their quality of life was enhanced through music therapy using patient-preferred music."

When someone becomes seriously ill, it can be difficult to know what type of care is best... or where to turn for help. VITAS can help.

Music therapy is effective in many ways...

• alleviating physical, emotional and spiritual pain
• reducing feelings of loneliness, isolation and fear
• supporting spiritual beliefs and practices
• developing coping skills
• enhancing quality of life and well-being while maintaining dignity
• providing additional comfort during the dying process