The Healing Power of Music in Hospice Care Settings

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The Healing Power of Music in Hospice Care Settings

Music reaches places that medicine cannot.

For those living out their last days at a hospice, the end of life experience can be overwhelming. However, a new trend in hospice care is beginning to change the way patients experience their final days.

Music therapy is healing hospice patients in ways we did not expect.

The good news is there is real science behind it, and measurable results to prove it works. Whether live performances or guided therapy sessions, music offers a level of comfort, connection, and healing that is invaluable for patients, families, and caregivers when it matters most.

In this guide:

• How Music Can Help Hospice Patients
• The Science Behind Hospice Music Therapy
• Top Benefits for Patients and Families
• Types of Music Interventions
• How to Find Hospice Music Services

How Music Can Help Hospice Patients

You may be wondering how music can possibly make a difference for hospice patients.

The thing is…

Music therapy in hospice is not just someone playing their guitar. It is an intentional, clinical, and evidence-based approach delivered by board-certified music therapists who are trained to address each patient’s needs. Some organizations also provide nonprofit musical performances in hospice, bringing live music to the patients and their loved ones.

And these interventions are showing some real promise.

In fact, according to the American Music Therapy Association, approximately 62% of hospices and home health agencies across the United States now offer music therapy services in some capacity. This clinical intervention has become the third most utilized complementary therapy in end-of-life care.

The reason? Because it works.

The Science Behind Hospice Music Therapy

What does the research say?

Music therapy is offering measurable improvement in pain, anxiety, and overall quality of life for hospice patients. In many cases, patients report feeling better after just one session.

Let me explain…

A randomized control trial published in the Journal of Pain and Symptom Management studied the effects of music therapy on 200 palliative care patients and found that music therapy significantly lowered pain scores over standard care alone.

In this study, the researchers found:

• Statistically significant decrease in pain levels
• Improved physical comfort scores
• Enhanced relaxation response

But it is not just physical symptoms that improve with music therapy. It can also help to address the emotional and spiritual needs of hospice patients that are often missed by traditional medicine.

Top Benefits for Patients and Families

Music therapy offers a ton of benefits to hospice patients, and if you are considering music therapy for a loved one, these are the top reasons why it is a good idea.

Reduces Pain and Discomfort

Pain management is one of the most difficult aspects of hospice care.

The good news? Music offers a non-pharmacological way to reduce pain and discomfort in patients. It can do this by distracting from pain signals and allowing the body to focus on something else. It also can help to promote a relaxation response and reduce muscle tension.

Many patients also report that they need less pain medication after having music therapy.

Decreases Anxiety and Depression

Think about it…

The dying process is full of emotional challenges for both patients and their families. Patients often struggle with fear, sadness, and even a sense of isolation. Music therapy offers a safe environment for these patients to process these emotions and can offer them an outlet for emotional expression when words alone are not enough.

Research consistently shows that hospice music therapy can significantly reduce anxiety levels in terminally ill patients.

Improves Quality of Life

Something that is often overlooked is the quality of life at the end of life.

Music therapy can enhance a patient’s overall sense of wellbeing by meeting physical, emotional, cognitive, and social needs all at once.

Patients describe music therapy as:

• Relaxing
• Reducing feelings of isolation
• Providing emotional support
• Aiding in spiritual connection

Powerful, right?

Strengthens Family Connections

Music is not just helping patients, it is helping families as well.

Family members often struggle with what to say or how to connect with their loved ones who are dying. Music can create shared experiences and open doors for communication when conversation becomes difficult. This allows family members to express their feelings and share memories in a non-confrontational way.

Caregivers also report that music therapy sessions for their loved ones can help them to feel less stressed and more supported on their own grief journey.

Types of Musical Interventions

Not all music therapy sessions are created equal.

Board certified music therapists can use a variety of techniques and approaches based on each patient’s needs and preferences. Some of the most common types of music interventions in hospice care include:

Listening to Live Music – Therapists perform patient-preferred songs live to create a sense of comfort and connection

Singing Together – Patients are often able to sing along to familiar songs even if verbal communication is limited

Songwriting – Patients can write songs as a form of legacy to leave behind for their families

Guided Relaxation – Relaxation music can be combined with breathing exercises to reduce anxiety and promote peace

Life Review – Listening to familiar music that holds special memories can help patients reflect back on their lives

The key is to personalize each experience to the individual patient.

How to Find Hospice Music Services

If you are interested in how to get music therapy for yourself or a loved one, start by asking the hospice team.

Most hospice organizations will be able to connect patients and their families with board-certified music therapists who can provide services. A few important points to know:

• Medicare will cover music therapy as part of their hospice services
• Some music therapists will provide services in the home, in the hospice facility, or in the hospital
• The patient does not need any background or experience in music to benefit from music therapy
• Family members are often encouraged to participate in sessions as well

You can also search for community organizations that provide live music to hospice patients. Many of these nonprofits offer their services to families for free.

What Patients Do Not Need

I think it is important to point out a few things that patients do not need to benefit from music therapy.

Patients do not need any musical training.

They do not need to be able to sing well or play an instrument.

And here is something else you might not realize…

Patients that are unresponsive can still benefit from music therapy. It is thought that hearing is the last active sense before death, and music therapy may be able to reach patients in a way that other therapies cannot.

This is why it is one of the most accessible forms of therapy available in hospice care.

Wrapping It Up

Music therapy in hospice care is not just a nice little add-on. It is an intentional, clinical intervention that is addressing the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of hospice patients who are facing the end of life.

The science is clear:

• Music can reduce pain and anxiety
• Music can improve the quality of life
• Music can help patients and families to connect during a difficult time
• 62%+ of hospices now offer these services

If you have a loved one in hospice, I would encourage you to at least look into the possibility of music therapy. It can be profound for the patient and everyone around them.

Because sometimes the most healing thing you can offer is not medicine at all…

It is music.