July was Music Therapy month! But what is Music Therapy? According to the American Music Therapy Association, “Music Therapy is the clinical and evidence-based use of music interventions to accomplish individualized goals within a therapeutic relationship, by a credentialed professional who has completed an approved music therapy program.”
Big Bend Hospice is among a very small group of hospices nationwide that offer music therapy to all of their patients. Licensed therapists utilize Music Therapy to manage stress, alleviate pain, express feelings, improve communication and promote physical wellness. BBH employs 5 full-time board-certified music therapists, 1 part-time music therapist and four interns. MTs often co-treat with nurses, family support counselors or chaplains, for the benefit of patients.
Music Therapy (MT) for Big Bend Hospice patients usually occur one on one, though it may occur as part of a group or include the patient’s family if this is the patient’s preference, and MTs almost always use live, patient preferred music. Often MTs use guitars or keyboards, but are able to use other instruments as needed. Music Therapy may appear entertaining, but each session is intended to meet specific therapeutic goals.
Since 2001, Big Bend Hospice’s Music Therapy program has been unique. The program has hosted regular music therapy trainings for international researchers and delegates, and MTs have written the music used at various Big Bend Hospice events, including Remembrance Services, Dedications, Camp Woe-Be-gone and Hope for the Holidays. Many of these songs have been professionally recorded, mastered and released as a CD entitled, “In the Shelter of Our Tree: The Songs of Big Bend Hospice.”
Hospices are not required by Medicare or Medicaid to provide Music Therapy services, however through donations and community support, Big Bend Hospice continues to provide quality, licensed Music Therapy care to hospice patients and their families, especially in the rural areas. Funds such as these provide live, research based music therapy care at the bedside to those who need it most.
In honor of Music Therapy Month, we are proud to recognize BBH Music Therapist Ashley Hall, MT-BC, as the 2015 Big Bend Hospice Natalie Wlodarczyk Music Therapy Award honoree. Ashley and the entire staff of BBH MTs work tirelessly to support the mission of Big Bend Hospice in providing quality care to our friends and neighbors throughout the Big Bend.
If you would like to know more about the Big Bend Hospice Music Therapy program, please visit www.bigbendhospice.org or call (850) 878-5310.
Big Bend Hospice provides care based on medical need regardless of age, sex, race, religion, lifestyle or ability to pay. If you would like information about services or to volunteer, please call (850) 878-5310 or visit bigbendhospice.org.