Rhythm-N-You Music Therapy currently provides services for Hospice.
Hospice agencies serve individuals who have received a terminal diagnosis and are no longer pursuing curative treatment.
Music therapy has been shown to greatly improve the quality of life for hospice patients and their families through not only active music making, but also song-writing and music-focused counseling.
How the Music Works…
For patients suffering from dementia and Alzheimers Disease, music therapy often accesses neurological processes that allows for more familiarity and clarity. Often these patients may have jumbled speech or may not speak much at all. However, once music therapy interventions are utilized, the patient may sing words to familiar songs or give more eye contact and attention or even speak short phrases. Music therapy can trigger thought and memory that enhance a quality of life for a hospice patient and his/her family.
For terminal illnesses that do not cause impairment in cognition, music therapy serves as an amazing supplement to the hospice team of nurses, social workers, and chaplain. The term “terminal” often causes depression, anxiety, and anger and often requires supportive counseling methods to assist working through those emotions and coping needs. Music therapy can not only elevate the mood of a patient but can decrease anxiety and involve methods for release of anger. Rhythm-N-You Music Therapists have been honored to help patients by writing songs with them to help them cope with anticipatory dying and fears associated. Music therapy has been used to strengthen family relationships, leave legacies, and work through unresolved emotional difficulties.