CULTURE & RECREATION

What is Music Therapy?

Music Therapy is an interpersonal process in which mental, social, aesthetic and spiritual elements combine to help individuals improve, restore and maintain health. In some instances, the client’s needs are addressed directly through elements of music; in others they are addressed through the interpersonal relationships that develop between client and therapist or group. The music used in therapy may be specially created by the therapist or the client, or it may be drawn from the existing literature from various styles and periods

Music Therapy helps to:

• Create a feeling of community and sharing
• Improve and/or restore speech
• Assist with pain management
• Improve gross and fine motor skills
• Evoke and stimulate memories
• Relax, soothe and comfort
• Alleviate depression
• Maintain and Improve concentration and cognitive skills
• Raise self-esteem
• Encourage creative self-expression
• Bring experiences of beauty, joy and well-being

Music can penetrate levels of awareness that words cannot; revealing to the individual engaged in one to one or group work, previously unrealized resources and connections in support of an increased sense of functioning, both personally and as a valued member of community. Music brings together inner and outer, past and present, helping to feel more integrated, more abundant and whole.

While our resident population’s needs are diverse, there is one service at the Louis Brier Home that is singular in its therapeutic value and contribution of joy and culture regardless of ability or challenge. This is the music therapy program. Music has always been a central communicator of Jewish life and thought, be it religious or secular in nature. Every tradition and culture is primarily expressed through its musical body.

Music therapists are professionals trained in the skill of using music as a therapeutic medium. Goals and objectives address specific needs of the geriatric client in the social, communication, emotional, physical and cognitive areas. This can include active music making through song and instrumentation, improvisation and choir to stimulate communication and socialization. Maintenance of physical ability and pain management can be facilitated through music and movement, hand chimes and relaxation techniques. Musical games, music appreciation and reminiscing to music serve to assist with maintenance of cognitive abilities. Bedside serenades and song writing provide comfort and powerful emotional outlets.