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Here is what some St. Amant staff are saying about Artists in Healthcare:
“Music, most especially online performance with Erica during this period has been relaxing as well as creating fun moments for our residents. Often times, the period tend to be engaging as some of the residents on my unit sing along and interact with the musician to make requests of their choice of music. It also brings back good memories, as can be observed by their facial expressions full of smiles when some old tunes are played. I believe this is a laudable project that need to be supported.
AHS E/W join Music in Healthcare sessions Monday – Friday. The music tends to relax and calm our clients especially those who are bored for not being able to go out of the unit because of the weather or being smoky outside. It also enables them to participate as a group or individually in their rooms and for them to see their friends from other units on the screen.
Well, I work with a lot of individuals who love to sing so they are very happy to join in and start singing. One of my “singers” not that long ago suffered a stroke, so not only was the music good for him to lift his spirits but by him trying to sing it started to work his mouth muscles ( so almost like a physiotherapy).
I have individuals who will dance in her chair when music starts and another who moves her foot to the music and another who moves her hand. So again, not only giving them obvious enjoyment but encouraging movement to people who do not have a wide range of motion
I have one individual who loves all the goldy oldies like Johnny Cash and Elvis but when she hears a song she likes and doesn’t know ( usually a more current song) she will ask what it is and if we can add it to her IPAD playlist. So, she’s getting exposed to new things she may not have otherwise.
When the music is playing the group is together everyone is enjoying the music together and sharing in the same experience. It’s just a fun time.
As they say music is the universal language so what better way to be inclusive.”
This is a great opportunity for the people we support to participate and enjoy in a therapeutic activity. Music provides a variety of experiences, from uplifting , calming, engaging in community and social settings. Virtual music has brought people together in a time where meeting in person just isn’t an option.
When I come in there the halls are usually empty and quiet (not counting the constant beeping and humming of medical equipment). I usually just sit or stand in the hallway and start singing a gentle tune like edelweiss to let people know that I’ve arrived.
