Behind every favorite song, there is an untold story.

Music is a powerful means of connecting mind, body and spirit. Meaningful music also has the ability to stimulate the mind. Music is stored in the area of the brain that is last affected by Alzheimer’s and other dementias. Some say music is the gateway to unlocking memories. What happens when music reawakens memories in the elderly or those living with debilitating diseases?

​​The benefits of music therapy are well documented in the research and personalized music playlists are becoming recognized as a gold standard in terms of providing the following benefits as described by Music & Memory:

• A means of providing joy to persons living with advanced dementia or other debilitating diseases
• Individuals are more cooperative, attentive and willing to accept care
•  Reduces the effects of sundowning
• Individuals are more engaged with those around them
• Family and staff are able to connect in a more meaningful way with their loved one/resident
• Personalized music provides a valuable tool to reduce reliance on anti-psychotic and anti-depressant medications (Music & Memory, 2012)

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Music therapy is a free, complimentary service provided by our Connections and hospice program. Rockbridge Area Hospice is excited to provide music therapy to our patients in order to improve their quality of life and overall functioning. 
GIVE THE GIFT OF MUSIC! Ask about how you can be involved by emailing Amy at: amy.lehman@rahospice.org

References
Music & Memory. (2012). Making the case for personalized music: A guide for elder care professionals [PDF document].