How Music Provides Valuable Therapy for Hospice Patients

As hospice patients approach the end of life, there is often a growing need to find solace in new methods of personal expression. They want a creative outlet that lets them reflect, make meaning of their lives, and connect with others—in a way that goes beyond words. 
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There is where music therapy can offer several valuable benefits to hospice patients, as well as their families and caregivers.

What is music therapy?

Music therapy is a form of therapy that uses instrumental and vocal activities to fulfill emotional, spiritual, and cultural needs. It creates connections where words fail and where other methods of therapy may not be available or appropriate. 

More than simply getting together and having fun around a music activity (although it does offer that, too), musical therapy is a therapeutic treatment that involves sensory stimulation through voice and musical instruments. In a hospice care setting, it is highly individualized and developed based on an individual’s specific circumstances and treatment plan.

The benefits of music therapy for hospice patients

Given that music therapy seeks to address spiritual and emotional needs, it can be difficult to capture just how wide-ranging and meaningful its impact can be. But in the broadest terms, here are just some of the benefits and outcomes music therapy offers:

• Provides a creative and emotional outlet

• Promotes mindfulness and a grounding in reality

• Encourages reflection on life and its meaning

• Reduces anxiety and depression

• Supports the management of pain

• Fosters communication in a non-intimidating way

• Allows emotions to be expressed without words

• Increases overall quality of life

• Provides a healthy coping mechanism for difficult feelings