Deciding to receive hospice care can be scary and overwhelming. Having a music therapist as part of your care team can provide solace to both the patient and family and play a large role in socio-emotional coping and acceptance during end of life. To be allowed to serve patients and families at this time of life is a gift and an honor and is therapy is provided with the utmost respect.
Depending on the patient’s needs, the music therapist can be a soothing presence in the room; can facilitate nonverbal expression through gentle musical improvisation; lead comforting relaxation sessions; offer an opportunity to leave musical legacies through songwriting; and support family and friends with grief and coping.