Music Therapy

The VNA’s music therapy program is headed by a board certified music therapist.

The American Music Therapy Association’s definition of music therapy is the clinical and evidence-based use of music interventions to accomplish individualized goals within a therapeutic relationship by a credentialed professional who has completed an approved music therapy program. It provides physical, emotional and spiritual support and offers a compassionate and non-invasive approach to patients and their families receiving hospice or home health care.

It is important to remember that patients do not need to be musically inclined or have any musical training to fully benefit from music therapy. The music therapist is trained to facilitate music-based interventions tailored to the individual patient or caregiver.

music therapy with senior woman, 89 years old
Musical care

Benefits of Music Therapy

Music therapy is an effective intervention that meets the spiritual, physical and emotional needs of patients and their families. It uses music to achieve non-musical goals. Taking into account the cultural background and musical preference of the patient or caregiver, the music therapist evaluates the needs of the patient or caregiver and uses methods such as song-writing, singing, music-making, improvisation or movement as a way to achieve these goals.

Musical care

Community Music Therapy

Through a partnership with the Indian River County Hospital District, as well as our generous donors, the Community Music Therapy program offers music therapy to Indian River County residents throughout the community. Through collaborations with local organizations, the Community Music Therapy program seeks to reach the marginalized and disempowered people who may be at risk for various physical or mental health complications due to their social circumstances, race or comorbid conditions. 

Provided in group settings, these music therapy sessions have a goal of addressing mental and emotional health by providing musical coping skills that empower participants to manage their own health. Groups are offered through collaborative partner organizations in Indian River County that are already serving the target population to ensure they are convenient and accessible.

 

group of people, drumming, hands with motion blur

Types of Benefits

Explore the ways music therapy can help both patient and caregiver.

Many can benefit from the emotional support that music therapy offers. Often times, we find that it can be too difficult to find the words to express our feelings. The VNA’s music therapist will work with you on developing a song to serve as your emotional outlet.

Music therapy can also help with addressing the physical needs of a patient. Studies have shown that music therapy can help reduce pain and shortness of breath.

Caregivers also benefit from music therapy by seeing their loved one make great improvements in either their physical, mental or emotional health. During music therapy sessions, caregivers play an active role and are engaged with the patient to help promote meaningful interactions between the patient and their caregiver.