Music Speaks: Providence Hospice Embraces Music & Memory Program
At first, it’s almost imperceptible, but then the finger tapping gets stronger, more regular, and right in time with the music. Now the left foot joins in, and a smile spreads across one hospice patient’s face as she listens to a Jerry Lee Lewis song from her youth. This patient has lost the use of the left side of her body and is now bedbound, but after a few minutes, she begins telling stories about the musicals she loved going to with her grandchildren in Chicago. As the memories flow, so does the palpable joy.
This kind of joy is precisely why music is such a special part of what our hospice program offers to patients. Funded by a grant from the Elea Institute, Providence Hospice volunteers and staff are trained by the Music & Memory organization, whose goal for patients is to “engage with the world, ease pain, and reclaim their humanity through the use of personalized music.” So far, about 30 Providence Hospice patients throughout Indiana and Illinois have been a part of this program.
“Music has always been a part of what we offer our patients,” says Annette McClain, Providence Hospice Volunteer Coordinator. “Now we’re able to use music in a much more personal way, tailored especially for each person.”
Annette spearheads the Music & Memory program for Providence Hospice. “At the start of care, we ask each patient, or each patient’s family, if they are interested in this program.” Those interested answer five questions:
- Who is your favorite singer or band?
- Is there a song/music that makes you happy?
- Is there a song that can always make you dance?
- Have you been to any music concerts? Which ones?
- What is the first album you purchased with your own money?
Once Annette has more info about each patient’s taste, she curates a library of music specially for them and puts it on an MP3 player.
“It’s not music therapy, but it’s definitely therapeutic music,” Annette says. “The music starts, and something wakes up inside a person.”
Some families decline visits from volunteers, but still want to participate in Music & Memory. That’s why Annette is working on a goal of training all hospice staff, as well as staff at outside facilities where our hospice patients live, to utilize the program. “It’s a help even if the staff can keep the players charged, or hand them their headphones,” Annette says. “We leave everything with the person so the music is available whenever it’s wanted.”
Jackie Sinwelski, a Providence Hospice volunteer, says she’s had the pleasure of seeing what a difference it makes for patients, especially those with dementia.
“Just because someone can no longer carry on a conversation doesn’t mean they don’t want to communicate,” Jackie says. “I brought in a battery-powered piano for a patient with dementia. I played a note, then another note. I watched her face light up as she began to play notes herself. It wasn’t a song or anything, but the musical notes fascinated her.”
“Music brings out incredible stories from people,” Annette says. “One gentleman told me about his time performing in Las Vegas. He started out just filling in for someone, but then they wanted to hire him permanently. He told us his wife said no, come home, so he did. But that’s how much a part of his life music has been.” Annette watched this man listen to the music as he scooted down the halls of the senior community where he lived, humming along with a huge smile. “Seeing that made me realize—we’re on to something here.”
While cultivating personal libraries of people’s favorite music is time-consuming, Annette and Jackie have seen some incredible blessings. Jackie has found donations of CDs on Facebook Marketplace, as many people are getting rid of physical copies of music. Others have donated CD players, which help the patients who can’t wear headphones.
“One person heard about the program and purchased a brand-new CD player and had it delivered,” Jackie says. “She didn’t have any connection to Providence—she just thought it was a great program and wanted to help.”
This program resonates with other music lovers, and they have been inspired to get involved. On one occasion, Annette was shopping at Disc Replay in Downers Grove, looking for Jerry Lee Lewis music for a patient. The owner found out why she was looking for music and gave her the CD for free, telling her to let him know any other CDs she needed, and he would donate more music. Another time, someone specifically requested Gospel music from the Gaithers, and Annette was having trouble finding anything. A bag of donated CDs arrived and as Jackie was sorting CDs, a Gaithers CD was one of the donations. “It was such a ‘God-moment.’” Annette says.
These music donations help Providence Hospice utilize grant money for more supplies. For those looking to give, some of the most popular music genres include instrumental, soothing nature sounds, hymns, gospel, classic country, showtunes, jazz, crooners, swing music, Big Band, and Motown.
Annette would like to eventually have a library of music she can use to more easily create playlists for patients. But until then, she and her volunteers will be on the hunt for just the right music the patients are requesting.
“This is such a meaningful program,” Annette says. “As Hans Christian Anderson said, ‘Where words fail, music speaks.’ And it’s so true.”
If you have items you’d like to donate, you can reach Annette at amcclain@provlife.com.
