MUSIC SPEAKS
“Music has always been a part of what we offer our patients,” says Annette McClain, Providence Hospice Volunteer Coordinator. “Now we’re able to use music in a much more personal way, tailored especially for each person.” Annette spearheads the Music & Memory program for Providence Hospice. “At the start of care, we ask each patient, or each patient’s family, if they are interested in this program.” Those interested answer five questions: 1 Who is your favorite singer or band? 2 Is there a song/music that makes you happy? 3 Is there a song that can always make you dance? 4 Have you been to any music concerts? Which ones? 5 What is the first album you purchased with your own money? Once Annette has more info about each patient’s taste, she curates a library of music specially for them and puts it on an MP3 player. “It’s not music therapy, but it’s definitely therapeutic music,”
Annette says. “The music starts, and something wakes up inside a person.” Some families decline visits from volunteers, but still want to participate in Music & Memory.
“Music brings out incredible stories from people,” Annette says. “One gentleman told me about his time performing in Las Vegas. He started out just filling in for someone, but then they wanted
That’s why Annette is working on a goal of training all hospice staff, as well as staff at outside facilities where our hospice patients live, to utilize the program. “It’s a help even if the
“Music brings out incredible stories from people,”
to hire him permanently. He told us his wife said no, come home, so he did. But that’s how much a part of his life music has been.” Annette watched this man listen to the music as he scooted down the halls of the senior community where he lived, humming along with a huge smile. “Seeing that made me realize—we’re on to something here.” While cultivating personal libraries of people’s favorite music is time-consuming, Annette and Jackie have seen some incredible blessings. Jackie has found donations of CDs on Facebook Marketplace, as many people are getting rid of physical copies of
staff can keep the players charged, or hand them their headphones,” Annette says. “We leave everything with the person so the music is available whenever it’s wanted.” Jackie Sinwelski, a Providence Hospice volunteer, says she’s had the pleasure of seeing what a difference it makes for patients, especially those with dementia. “Just because someone can no longer carry on a conversation doesn’t mean they don’t want to communicate,” Jackie says. “I brought in a battery-powered piano for a patient with dementia. I played a note, then another note. I watched her face light up as she began to play notes herself. It wasn’t a song or anything, but the musical notes fascinated her.”
12 PROVIDENCE MAGAZINE | Issue No. 1
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