Catherine's Therapeutic Music

Blog 2-Stories from Last Week

Welcome back to my Therapeutic Music blog. Last week, I had my work cut out for me. I had two shifts at Concord Hospital, and a shift at Granite VNA Hospice House. I walked away from this work experience with excellent Therapeutic Music stories to tell. What is a blog without stories? For HIPAA compliance, I will not use patient names.

Story 1-At Concord Hospital, I had a patient who suffered from a condition unknown to me. I approached her and introduced myself to her. I explained what Therapeutic Music was and that I was going to sing some songs to her. Her anxiety increased so much that she thought she was dying. She was also stressed because she was experiencing hearing loss. I tried a device with a microphone and a headset for her to try on. Unfortunately, the batteries ran out. I told her I would be back. After my lunch break, I had the batteries changed and went back up to her room. She was relieved to see me and was much calmer than my first visit. I placed the headphones on her and tested the mic and she heard me perfectly. I began singing some familiar tunes and she appreciated hearing the music.

Story 2-On a different day at Concord Hospital, I read on my list of patients that this patient could be experiencing cognitive decline. I came into his room, and certainly this patient seemed confused especially when I introduced myself and Therapeutic Music. When I started singing though, he started singing along with me. It’s amazing that when one is going through a cognitive decline, the music remains in their minds.

Lessons-I learned how to properly use the headset for those with hearing loss, and I learned how to communicate less with some patients and sing more. Last week was a hustle, however, I learned so much from those shifts and I cannot wait to sing to more patients.