Embracing the power of music
Residents at four long-term care facilities are singing the praises of the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia, thanks to ongoing funding for music therapy.
“This is like a dream I never thought would come true. I can’t put into words how much this means to me. If no one was watching, I would jump for joy,” says one client who began learning guitar.
Music therapy is an essential part of care at Saint Vincent’s Nursing Home, Whitehills Long Term Care Centre, Oakwood Terrace Nursing Home and Northwood Halifax. In particular, it’s had a profound impact on residents over the past 16 months, enhancing their quality of life and providing an artistic and creative outlet for seniors while cut off from family and friends.
Administrators say it also builds community, rapport and staff morale.
“You can see the joy in the residents’ faces when they remember songs from the past,” says one staff member. “They will sing along, as well as clap their hands and tap their feet to the beat of the music. Music therapy is a big part in their lives. Staff, as well, has enjoyed the music and dancing with the residents.”
The COVID-19 pandemic has magnified the true power of music therapy. A universal language unlike any other, it has been essential to lightening hearts and brightening lives during a very dark period.
Virtual sessions were conducted through Zoom and an ipod program was implemented to provide easy access to music for residents on a regular basis. Music therapists were quick to adapt and come up with ways to engage residents and mark special occasions despite health restrictions.
Using a wireless microphone and Bluetooth speaker, Heather Jansma was able to provide music to all residents, even when gatherings were restricted to groups of five or 10.
“For Valentine’s Day, I put on the mike and placed a speaker in the dining room, where some residents were gathered. Recreation therapy handed out bubbly apple juice and snacks on one end of the hallway, while I sang love songs from room to room at the other end of the hall. We carried on until the whole floor was done. Then we moved on to the next floors.”
Music therapists have continued to adapt during the reopening of the province over the past two months. Much to the delight of residents, inperson music therapy sessions have resumed, providing residents with the therapeutic and mental wellness benefits associated with a shared musical experience.
The Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia is proud to be enhancing and enriching the lives of seniors through music therapy, thanks to the generous support of The Windsor Foundation. To learn more or donate in support of music therapy in long-term care, visit mentalhealthns.ca/donate.