Huron Hospice Receives Gold Level Music Certification
by Bob Montgomery
Huron Hospice has received the coveted Gold Level Music Care Certification from the Room 217 Foundation.
That makes Huron the first Hospice in Canada to receive that recognition. Huron Hospice Volunteer Coordinator Deb Shelley says music has always played an important role at Huron Hospice Bender House. “Local musicians volunteer their time and talent to play at the hospice. Whether it's spiritual, folk, Celtic or the lyrical sounds of a harp, we know music soothes the soul. With Certification, we better understand music's importance for our residents, families, volunteers, and staff. Certification has allowed us to make music an integral part of our care. It has been an exciting learning curve for us, and we are already seeing positive outcomes.”
Room 217 resources offer instruction in music's thoughtful and intentional use in a person's care by designing ways to support residents and families that respect their autonomy, history, tastes, and physical, spiritual, social, and emotional needs. Certification took almost 12 months to complete, beginning with a 24-hour review of the soundscape, examining the sounds heard inside and outside Bender House and culminating in a research project focusing on the observation of music's impact on residents. This project sparked further motivation to incorporate the intentional use of music in other aspects of hospice engagement in other settings.
The therapeutic value of music has been well-documented and based on the concept of whole-person care. Music, particularly the gentleness of intentionally slower rhythms, is known to soothe turbulent, worried minds and as a result, calms respiration and reduces rapid heart rates. Music also provides opportunities for memories, person-to-person communication, and distraction from pain.
As a result of their training, the Bender House music care team, made up of both volunteers and staff members, has learned to build a collaborative approach to incorporating music-in-care. Volunteer musicians and singers as soloists and in groups have broadened their understanding of the tremendous value of their music in the lives of those who hear it – or sing along with it. As part of the intake at Bender House, incoming residents and their families are asked what kind of music would enhance their stay.
According to Shelley, "With Certification, we expect to see decreased agitation, reduced isolation and ultimately improved well-being. Our staff and volunteers continue to grow in our understanding of the link between music and “whole person care”.
