Music care can be received by anyone. From infants who may need soothing, to teenagers who need to express themselves, to mid-life professionals who need to reduce stress, to older adults who need engagement and socialization, music received as care is a beautiful thing.

Music care may be received passively, as in listening to a recording. Or it may be received more actively within a therapeutic session, or a 1:1 visit, or in an engaging program.

We know that the effects of music are varied. For individuals with dementia, music can be harnessed as a powerful tool to reduce feelings of agitation, anxiety and depression, improve orientation to surroundings and recall memories of the past.

Theresa, a registered nurse from Moncton, NB used one of Room 217’s designed music albums Country Roads in her work at a hospital. She describes how one of her patients received music care through this album and the effects it had on him.

“The special man for whom I bought Country Road was having a particularly restless morning. He is young – just turned 61. No nursing home will take him. He has a very advanced frontal lobe dementia which, at present, leaves him with little speech except for the occasional "no!!" or a simple yell. He paces constantly. From morning to night, if he isn't pacing, he is sitting only momentarily at the edge of his bed. I brought the music to his doorway, turned it on and was quite frankly stunned to see his reaction. He stopped pacing, stood perfectly still, started to simply walk himself around in a small circle, much more slowly and much more calmly. After four songs, he was able to sit in his glider chair. He even tapped his toes to the beat. Incredible! He had not sat still for more than 4-5 seconds in months. It brought me to tears.”

For older adults, singing can help older adults strengthen their speech. Singing can be an interactive way to increase breath support, vocal volume and range - resulting in reduced vocal effort. Singing also allows us to be more expressive by creating opportunities for meaningful connections.

Vicky, an activity aide from Minden, ON used Room 217’s dementia singing program, Pathways, with the residents in her long-term care home. She values the connections the music makes.

"They want to do Pathways again and again and that is welcome news for an activity aide. The connections have been amazing – between residents themselves and between staff – lots of meaningful moments and connective points.”

At the end of life, music can help distract from pain, reduce feelings of isolation, and provide comfort and peace. Music also has the ability to help us communicate sentiments like “I love you” and “thank you”. Music can also help us create something to be left behind and remembered – like a favourite song that can bring peace. It can change the atmosphere in the care space.

Beatrice, a chaplain from Hamilton, ON shared her experience using Room 217’s Spirit Wings album with a young daughter and her family.

“Spirit Wings helped me prepare a family for their young daughter's end of life journey. I introduced the music gently to the mother and it calmed her down. It changed the atmosphere in the hospital room and made it a very gentle, quite loving space.”

If you are a formal or informal caregiver, educator or musician wanting those you serve to receive music care, then become equipped and take our training. It is designed to give you the confidence you need to begin to integrate immediately into your routines.

Rhonda, a program manager in a long-term care home in Ancaster, ON took Room 217’s Level 1 Music Care Training. She recounts using what she learned, and the impact on one of her residents who received music care.

“I have, in the 2 days since the workshop, found an opportunity to use the training several times. One resident in particular had just come out of a showering experience that had put her into a state of sobbing, shivering, rocking, crying and moaning shock. I was able to use the call and response, the humming, the singing and the breathing to calm her and lull her to sleep. Without your training I may have been at a loss as I have never seen this resident so upset.”

Music can be louder than words. It has the power to connect us to ourselves, and to others. And in dark spaces, music can be a light that transcends and comforts us, and those around us. When it is received in the context of care, music can be transformative.

For more information on Music Care Training, visit musiccare.org/training or email info@musiccare.org.