Because music has many favorable effects on our lives, I incorporate it during my hospice volunteering. And I am not a musician. For those patients who can communicate their preferences, I provide music for them. Sometimes we listen to the radio and comment on the artists or the lyrics. Other times, we listen to CD’s. When patients are not able to communicate verbally with me, I refer to their information forms for clues as to what they might like. For example, I might play an old-time gospel song for a patient whose religion is listed as Baptist. Patients’ nonverbal responses often express their feelings.
On a more structured and prescriptive level, music thanatology is the movement providing consolation to patients in the final stages of dying. This form of music therapy has become a part of many hospice programs. The bedside services, which are performed by music-thanatologist practitioners, provide serenity and enjoyment for patients. Harp and voice music are often used. Greg Schneider, who created this website, is a hospice harpist.
During hospice vigils with music, patients hear music tailored to their specific needs. You can read more about this form of therapy and listen to examples of harp music being used to provide interior and exterior comfort for terminally ill patients at the NPR news Web site.
Frances Shani Parker
Because music has many favorable effects on our lives, I incorporate it during my hospice volunteering. And I am not a musician. For those patients who can communicate their preferences, I provide music for them. Sometimes we listen to the radio and comment on the artists or the lyrics. Other times, we listen to CD’s. When patients are not able to communicate verbally with me, I refer to their information forms for clues as to what they might like. For example, I might play an old-time gospel song for a patient whose religion is listed as Baptist. Patients’ nonverbal responses often express their feelings.
On a more structured and prescriptive level, music thanatology is the movement providing consolation to patients in the final stages of dying. This form of music therapy has become a part of many hospice programs. The bedside services, which are performed by music-thanatologist practitioners, provide serenity and enjoyment for patients. Harp and voice music are often used. Greg Schneider, who created this website, is a hospice harpist.
During hospice vigils with music, patients hear music tailored to their specific needs. You can read more about this form of therapy and listen to examples of harp music being used to provide interior and exterior comfort for terminally ill patients at the NPR news Web site.
Frances Shani Parker
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