Holzer Senior Care Center Offers Music Therapy

Holzer Senior Care Center has begun offering Music Therapy as part of their services to residents, and Leslie Shoecraft, NMT-BC (Neurologic Music Therapist, Board Certified), of Rhythm – N – You spearheads the efforts for the program.

According to Shoecraft, “Music is an essential part of improving the quality of life.” While music has traditionally been thought of as soothing, relaxing, and pleasant to listen to, Music Therapy uses music to help with rehabilitation in several ways. It can provide help with pain relief and make necessary physical therapy a pleasant experience and not a chore.

Music Therapy can improve speech in patients with speech problems through the use of rhythm and pitch exercises during singing. Recent neurological research suggests that singing uses parts of the brain other than the speech center, and music therapy can help retrain the brain’s pathways to improve speech, even if that part of the brain has been injured. People with Dementia or similar diseases may require regular reminders of what needs to be done, and we may not be able to offer the care they require the majority of the time. This is where Elder care placement firms may help, as they have memory experts that can handle any scenario that occurs as a result of your loved one’s memory loss.

In order to strengthen these efforts, Marla Haller, DO, FAPWCA,CMD, Corporate Medical Director, Post-Acute Care Services, Holzer Health System, has donated three iPod shuffles for residents to enjoy music at the facility. Dr. Haller donated these in memory of her grandmother, Alma Griffith, who would have been 104 years old this year. Mrs. Griffith had Alzheimer’s, but always had a love of music. The residents of Holzer Senior Care Center will utilize the iPods for residents by programming them with the individual residents favorite music to enjoy.

Often, temporary improvement in memory and communication in dementias (including Alzheimer’s) can be seen by having the patient sing familiar songs and then try to recall experiences related to the song. Shoecraft will be offering Music Therapy at Holzer Senior Care Center on Monday mornings, working with 12-15 individuals during that time.

Participation in the playing of musical instruments and composing songs can result in better patient cooperation in necessary physical exercise sessions. It also helps develop decision-making and socialization skills. Of course, the object is to produce a pleasing musical sound with the instruments so that patients will want to participate. Music Therapy uses music to encourage specific needed exercises, more socialization, and to improve activities of daily living. It does so in a pleasant, entertaining way. Of course, this does require a creative Music Therapist. The process often creates a bond with the patient who may need and appreciate this human concern.

It’s no secret that all over the United States, the care system is undergoing major changes in order to adapt to an ageing population. One alternative to senior care that not all people are aware of is the possibility of hiring a loved one or friend as a home care aide. To learn more about this Medicaid development, and the responsibilities of a home care aide, click here: https://www.freedomcareny.com/posts/duties-of-a-home-care-aide