Palliative Care: The Power of Music Therapy
Palliative care is a specialized medical care for patients with serious illnesses and life-limiting conditions. It focuses on providing relief from the symptoms, pain, and stress of the illness, with the goal of improving the quality of life for both the patient and their family. Hospice care, on the other hand, is a type of palliative care that is provided to patients who have a life expectancy of six months or less.
What is Music Therapy?
Music therapy is a clinical and evidence-based practice that uses music interventions to achieve individualized goals within a therapeutic relationship. It is delivered by a qualified music therapist who has completed an approved music therapy program and has obtained certification from the Certification Board for Music Therapists (CBMT).
Music therapy can be provided in a variety of settings, including hospitals, hospices, nursing homes, and private homes. It can be delivered to individuals or groups, and can be tailored to meet the specific needs and preferences of the patients.
Benefits of Music Therapy in Palliative Care and Hospice Settings
Music therapy has been shown to have numerous benefits for patients receiving palliative and hospice care. These benefits include:
- Pain Management: Music therapy can help to reduce pain and discomfort by promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety. It can also help to distract patients from their pain and provide a sense of comfort and well-being.
- Emotional Support: Music therapy can help to provide emotional support for patients and their families by promoting feelings of calmness, peace, and relaxation. It can also help to facilitate communication and expression of emotions.
- Improved Quality of Life: Music therapy can help to improve the quality of life for patients by promoting feelings of joy, happiness, and connectedness. It can also help to enhance the patient’s sense of identity and self-esteem.
- Spiritual Care: Music therapy can help to address the spiritual needs of patients by providing a means for spiritual expression and connection. It can also help to provide comfort and peace during the dying process.
- Family Support: Music therapy can also benefit the families of patients by providing emotional support and promoting feelings of connectedness and togetherness.
Integrating Music Therapy into Palliative Care and Hospice Settings
Music therapy can be integrated into a patient’s care plan in a variety of ways. The music therapist will work with the patient, their family, and the healthcare team to develop a treatment plan that meets the patient’s individual needs and preferences.
Some examples of how music therapy can be integrated into palliative care and hospice settings include:
- Live Music Performance: Live music performances can be provided in patient rooms or common areas, and can be tailored to meet the patient’s musical preferences.
- Music-Assisted Relaxation: Music-assisted relaxation techniques, such as guided imagery and deep breathing, can help to promote relaxation and reduce anxiety.
- Songwriting and Lyric Analysis: Songwriting and lyric analysis can help patients to express their emotions and feelings, and can provide a means for spiritual expression and reflection.
- Music Listening: Music listening can be used to provide comfort, distraction, and emotional support for patients.
- Music and Memory: Music can be used to evoke memories and promote reminiscence, which can be particularly beneficial for patients with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.
Career and Education
Music therapy is a growing field that offers exciting career opportunities for those with a passion for music and a desire to help others. To become a music therapist, one must complete an approved music therapy program and obtain certification from the CBMT.
New York University (NYU) offers a Bachelor of Music in Music Therapy program through the NYU Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development. This program is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to become a qualified music therapist.
In addition, NYU offers an online program called “NYU x Billboard | Music Industry Essentials” that provides students with an overview of the music industry and the skills necessary to succeed in a variety of music-related careers. This program is an excellent option for those interested in pursuing a career in the music industry.
Key Takeaways
Music therapy is a complementary therapy that can enhance the quality of life for patients receiving palliative and hospice care. The benefits of music therapy include pain management, emotional support, improved quality of life, spiritual care, and family support. Music therapy can be integrated into a patient’s care plan in a variety of ways, including live music performance, music-assisted relaxation, songwriting and lyric analysis, music listening, and music and memory. To become a music therapist, one must complete an approved music therapy program and obtain certification from the CBMT. Consider taking the “NYU x Billboard | Music Industry Essentials” online course and certificate program to learn more about the music industry and related careers.
