Providing Comfort at the End of Life Through Music

Providing Comfort at the End of Life Through Music

Supporting someone through their end of life journey can take many forms.  In Someone I Love is Dying, you’ll find ideas on how to provide care and comfort for a loved at the end of life.

Simple things that may be meaningful to a loved one might include holding their hand, sitting with them, watching a funny movie, listening to them, providing help with letter writing or phone calls, arranging for their favorite activity, or sending a note of encouragement.

Community Connections Through Music

Arranging for a loved one to experience music offers one way of helping them to find enjoyment, and reminding them that they are part of a wider community beyond the walls of a care facility.  Some hospitals have developed relationships with local symphonies, or have invited small groups of musicians into their facilities to play concerts.  Partnerships are also being developed with local conservatories and community music schools to soothe and encourage patients through music.

Music thanatology is a field of practice that brings together harp and voice to relieve suffering and bring comfort to the dying and their loved ones.  The music is tailored to each circumstance, including rhythm, pace and volume in order to create a soothing atmosphere and bring comfort.

Music Therapy in Palliative Care

There are a number of organizations that offer resources and training to help caregivers use music in their end of life care practice.  Palliative care is at the heart of the Room 217 Foundation, which seeks to enhance quality of life and quality of care for people facing life transitions.  The therapeutic principles of music and sound are used to integrate music into caregiving practice.  Music is embraced as a means of addressing physical, emotional and spiritual issues in palliative care.

Thanks to Cherry Baines in Cobble Hill, BC for sharing her experience taking Music Care training with Room 217, and for her efforts to bring care and comfort to palliative care patients with her harp music. Cherry is a graduate of the International Harp Therapy Program.  If you’re interested in experiencing the healing sounds of the harp, contact Cherry at 250-743-7248.