It is rather funny that me, Kath Murray, dare to address music in caregiving! Kicked out of the grade five choir, (actually I did not even pass the audition), my musical instruments are limited to the radio, cd player and most recently I have taken up the iPOD. But, truth be told I have sung to patients on the rare occasion when the words matched the moment and the person requested me sing rather than recite.
Mm-hm I want to linger,
mm-hm a little longer,
mm-hm a little longer here with you….
(Campfire song)
AN inspiring example of how music reaches the “alive inside” of people is shared in this You Tube video the “Story of Henry”.
Over the next six weeks the focus of our newsletters, blogs and online course will be on exploring ways to use music in care. Our content will be appropriate for the generalist, the nurse, caregiver, recreation therapist and yes, even those who consider themselves musically challenged!
If you want to learn how to use music to reach people, calm, soothe, energize, provide peace or decrease stress – stay tuned! If you want to integrate music into your repetoire of caring, or develop a “music kit” for yourself or family caregivers to use – stay tuned!
Finally, we are thrilled to announce that we have teamed up with Bev Foster from Room 217 to teach the course: “Music Care – Caring for the Dying Person with Music” that starts January 8th 2013!
3 Responses
Thanks for this Kath! I am from a musical family and have long used music for my own stress relief. I tell my clients that if they see me driving and it looks like I’m talking to myself, chances are I am singing, as I do sing everyday, in my car, in my office, at home, etc…. Our palliative care room in our small hospital has a stereo and we encourage patients and their families to bring thier favourite CD’s as we know the positive effect music can have not only for the dying person but their family members, as well. Thanks again, Maureen Mosionier, BSW RSW
Hi Maureen and Pashta,
Thanks for your comments.
I do love music. And I love to listen to music that i love.
I am also interested in adapting the statement “Do not speak unless you can improve on the silence” (I think this was spoken by Toller Cranston the skater). The addition could be, “DO not play music unless it improves on the silence”. Music for the sake of music may be felt as noise. There are so many voices, so much noise in our surroundings. Silence is sometimes needed!
How do you know when music is a good idea? How do you choose?
Kath
I am excited about taking this course to find out what other people have discovered. I was one of the co-founders of the Bedside Singing program at the Victoria Hospice Unit.