How Live Music Is Bringing Comfort to Patients and Families in Crisis

Live music is transforming hospice care for patients in their final moments.

Music therapy has been around for decades in hospitals and care facilities. But now musicians are taking things to another level with live hospice care at the bedside. In fact, with over 1.72 million people enrolled in hospice care in America alone in 2022, the demand for these musicians has sky-rocketed.

And what’s more…

Music for hospice care isn’t some added bonus. It’s quickly becoming essential. From reducing pain and calming anxiety to re-uniting patients with loved ones — live music is proving to be one of the most effective tools we have.

Here’s what we’ll cover:

1. What Is Music Therapy for Hospice Patients?
2. Why Does Live Music Work So Well?
3. How Music Benefits Patients & Families
4. Types Of Music Programmes
5. How to Find Music Support

What Is Music Therapy for Hospice Patients?

Music therapy for hospice patients aims to comfort those in their final stages of life with the healing power of music.

Board certified music therapists work one-on-one with patients. After identifying the needs and emotional state of the patient, they will offer a tailored experience. Singing, songwriting, playing instruments and more.

There are even music nonprofits forming across America to connect musicians with hospice patients in need of these musical visits. Their mission is simple — providing live music at the bedsides of hospice patients nationwide to connect them to loving memories, treasured moments with family and friends, and hope.

And statistics from the American Music Therapy Association prove they are doing just that. About 62% of hospices nationwide offer music therapy as a complementary form of care. It’s currently the third most prevalent alternative therapy used in hospice settings.

That percentage will continue to rise.

Music therapy helps patients on so many levels. Not only does it help with physical pain, but it provides emotional, social and spiritual benefits as well. Which is why it’s becoming such a crucial part of end of life care.

Why Live Music Works So Well?

Listening to music on your phone isn’t the same as having a musician perform songs live at your bedside.

Let’s explore why:

Humans crave connection. And live music creates a bond between the musician and patient that pre-recorded tracks can’t touch.

Not only can live music be adapted based on the patient’s reaction, but it allows loved ones an opportunity to engage and connect with the patient like never before.

Live music also seems to have a remarkable ability to lessen pain and discomfort for hospice patients.

According to research conducted by Brown University, patients experienced less pain, anxiety and nausea after listening to live music. What’s really astounding is that these patients also requested lower doses of opioid medications following the music intervention.

Can you imagine?

Less pain for the patient and less dependency on medication. Music really is creating a miraculous change in hospice care.

The Proven Benefits of Music for Patients & Families

Music brings a multitude of benefits to not only patients, but families as well.

And there is research to prove it.

Here’s how music can help patients:

• Reduce pain, anxiety and depression
• Lift mood and overall emotional health
• Stimulate memory recall
• Encourage patient to communicate with family members
• Spiritual support and comfort

And if that wasn’t enough…

Music has also been shown to provide families with:

• Stress relief
• Quality time with their loved ones
• Comfort during an uncomfortable time
• Better communication with their hospice patient

Researchers from a 2024 study published in the American Journal of Hospice and Palliative Medicine noted music therapy helped reduce symptom severity and emotional distress while improving quality of life.

Every hospice patient who participated in the music therapy sessions reported high satisfaction.

Need we say more?

There is nothing more magical than watching someone you love light up while listening to music. Music creates moments that families will cherish forever.

Types of Music Programmes

Not all music programmes are created equal. With so many options on the market, we breakdown the types of music programmes available for hospice patients.

Here are the different types of music programmes available:

• Bedside music therapy – Involves a certified music therapist visiting the patient for a one-on-one session. This is the most customized experience for patients.
• Volunteer musician visits – Trained volunteer musicians that specialize in playing for hospice patients. There are many hospice programmes and nonprofit organizations that will connect these musicians to patients at no cost to families.
• Threshold Choirs – Small groups of singers who perform gentle three-part harmonies at the bedside. Threshold Choirs write and perform music specifically for hospice patients.
• Virtual music sessions – Patients who are no longer able to receive in-person visits can still benefit from live music through virtual music sessions. This option has become more popular since the pandemic.

With so many options available, it’s important to find what suits the patients needs and lifestyles.

No matter if they’re in their home, a care facility or hospice house…there’s a music program for them.

How To Find Music Support

Looking for music support for your loved one doesn’t have to be difficult.

Here’s a few tips to help you get started:

• Ask the hospice care team. If your loved one is already enrolled in hospice care, chances are the care team can connect you with music therapy services. If not, they may be able to recommend local music programmes.
• Search for local music organisations. Did you know that many communities have nonprofit organizations dedicated to providing free hospice music programs. A simple google search can help you find these in your area.
• Contact the American Music Therapy Association. AMA has a directory on its website of music therapists by location.
• Check your insurance. Since 1994, music therapy has been a reimbursable service by Medicare. Many private insurance companies offer this as well.

Remember, you’re not too late to start music therapy.

Patients can benefit from music therapy at any stage of the hospice process. Starting music therapy sooner can allow the patient to form a stronger bond with the therapist and receive greater benefits.

Wrapping Up

Music for hospice care patients is powerful.

It provides patients and families with much-needed comfort during life’s toughest moments. Music allows families to create moments that will be cherished forever. Live performances at the bedside create a healing connection that no other form of medicine can provide.

Here’s What You Need To Remember:

• Music therapy is offered at over 62% of hospices nationwide
• Live music decreases pain and anxiety
• Music therapy is beneficial for the patients and families
• There are multiple music programmes to support patients needs
• Finding music support is easy and can begin at any stage

Music in hospice care is quickly becoming one of the most vital components to ending life on a high note. Not only are more hospice care providers incorporating music into their care plans, but nonprofit organizations are popping up all over the US. If your family is navigating hospice care, music should be the first thing you explore.