Music Therapy — A Calming Hospice Effect
Paradigm Health’s board-certified music therapists create a unique experience for each patient’s unique goals.
Paradigm Health’s mission is to provide above and beyond care for its hospice patients and their families. We understand that a holistic approach to care, in addition to clinical patient care, can be a valuable support to enriching the daily lives of our patients.
Music has a naturally calming effect and can help hospice patients experience and express emotions and connect to cherished life memories or create new ones as a legacy for family members. Music therapy can be used to meet emotional, cognitive, spiritual, social, and physical goals. Music is truly the universal language and Paradigm Health’s music therapists are trained to engage with each patient to connect to what types of music will inspire and comfort.
Enhancing Patient's Quality of Life
Music therapy is using music to accomplish goals. In the hospice setting, music therapy provides support for patients and their families at the end of life. Certified music therapists are not just performers. Music therapists have training in music and psychology, and they use music to address clinical goals. Music therapy is not a required hospice service per Medicare, but a unique Life Enrichment Program that Paradigm Health offers to enhance our patients’ quality of life.
The purpose of music therapy is to:
- Improve quality of life
- Maintain feelings of self-worth and dignity
- Manage pain, nausea, shortness of breath
- Decrease anxiety/promote relaxation
- Support independence through decision making
- Increase socialization
- Enhance family coping skills/encourage communication
- Provide a means of emotional/grief expression
- Provide supportive presence
- Facilitate life review
Benefits of Music Therapy at Paradigm Health
- Individualized services
- Session frequency based on patient need
- 1:1 sessions or small groups as appropriate/desired
- Engagement of family members/loved ones with patient care
- Consultations about the use of music in various settings
“Our music therapists utilize patient preferred music and the therapeutic relationship to address personalized goals. As hospice patients engage in music therapy, they may experience increased relaxation, socialization, engagement, and improved quality of life. Hospice patients have opportunities to reminisce and create legacy projects in music therapy. Our music therapists work to adapt visits to meet the needs of our patients and families throughout their time on services.”
Victoria Brown,
Paradigm Health Board Certified Music Therapist