I'm looking for
Voices of Care Blog
Music therapy can bring relaxation, stress reduction and feelings of joy for hospice patients.
Music therapy can bring relaxation, stress reduction and feelings of joy for hospice patients.

A Pharmacist’s Music Therapy Lesson

Posted on June 2, 2022 by Joseph Ricciutti, Pharm.D.

When I first learned that I would be shadowing a music therapist during my hospice rotation with Care Dimensions, I will admit, I was skeptical. As a pharmacist, I have been trained to practice evidence-based medicine, and there are few high quality randomized controlled trials that evaluate complementary therapies. As a result, my treatment recommendations have been focused on adjusting my patients’ medications. I have since learned, however, that physical pain is not the only target of music therapy.

During my pain management and palliative care fellowship, I have come to realize that physical symptoms only account for a fraction of the suffering endured by end-of-life patients. It is equally important to consider psychological, social, and spiritual pain. These have proven to be more elusive targets for pharmacists, who have been taught to rely largely on medication.

My time with Dan, the music therapist I accompanied on patient visits, changed my perspective about complementary therapy. During our first visit, I was immediately enthralled as he began to play Blue Skies by Ella Fitzgerald. I learned this song was tactfully chosen, not only for its gentle tone, but also because it was released when our patient was a child. This was one of many strategies that Dan utilized to spark fond memories, even in patients with advanced dementia. 

The sound of his voice over the acoustic guitar brought a smooth smile over the face of a non-communicative, elderly woman who had appeared restless and agitated just moments before. As the song progressed, the creases around her eyes and along her forehead vanished. She settled into her chair and began to rock from side to side. Within a few minutes, a small crowd surrounded Dan and me in the hall of the nursing home that we were visiting. Everyone gently swayed back and forth, while mouthing the words of each new tune he played. The therapeutic impact was made apparent by the warm smiles and relaxed demeanors of all in earshot, including the nursing staff and even myself. Dan played four more songs, ending with a delicate rendition of Fly Me to the Moon, in which I found myself drifting with our patient to a state of profound tranquility. 

I am beyond grateful to have had the opportunity to witness the peace that is brought to the hearts of humankind by music therapy. I now understand that while medication can alleviate physical pain, music can calm the soul.

Learn about Care Dimensions’ complementary therapies for hospice patients.

About the author
Joseph Ricciutti, Pharm.D., has been working with Care Dimensions through a partnership with the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute/Harvard Interprofessional Palliative Care Fellowship Program.

 

Additional Posts

‘Sweet’ Pet Therapy Team Brings Joy to Hospice Patients

‘Sweet’ Pet Therapy Team Brings Joy to Hospice Patients

Posted on September 9, 2024 by Lisa Conti in Complementary therapy,  Volunteers

For Care Dimensions volunteer Dave Houle, his dog, Dolce, is not just a best friend but half of a team that benefits hospice patients and their families in Greater Boston. ...

Continue reading
As Pet Therapy Dog Retires, Owner Readies Replacement

As Pet Therapy Dog Retires, Owner Readies Replacement

Posted on August 8, 2023 by Lisa Conti in Complementary therapy,  Volunteers

After visiting hundreds of hospice patients and families, 13-year-old Care Dimensions pet therapy dog Tessie is retiring, but her owner already has a new dog ready to take her place. ...

Continue reading
My Path to Helping People at End of Life

My Path to Helping People at End of Life

Posted on February 22, 2023 by Geoff Pope in Complementary therapy,  Volunteers

Geoff Pope recalls how his interest in human services and reiki, plus his family's hospice experiences, led him to become a Care Dimensions hospice volunteer. ...

Continue reading

Anyone—patient, family, care provider—can make a referral. Fill in the form online or call us today.

Since 1978, Care Dimensions, formerly Hospice of the North Shore,  has provided comprehensive and compassionate care for individuals and families dealing with life-threatening illnesses. As the non-profit leader in advanced illness care, we offer services in over 100 communities in Massachusetts.

Copyright 2024 | Care Dimensions, 75 Sylvan Street, Suite B-102, Danvers, MA 01923 | 888-283-1722 | 978-774-7566

Privacy | Terms of Use

We use cookies and other tools to enhance your experience on our website and to analyze our web traffic. For more information about these cookies and the data collected, please refer to our Privacy Policy. Accept