Music Therapy in the Hospice: ‘Musicalive’

Abstract

In-hospice music therapy is defined as the planned, systematic application of music and the relationship between the therapist, patient and family to promote the comfort of the entire person — body, mind, and spirit. It is suggested that the music therapist serves an important role in the hospice team. The author explores multiple dimensions of her role as a hospice music therapist including the development of the music therapy resource centre, programme design and implementation, the education and training of team members, and meeting patients' and families' total needs at home and in the hospice inpatient unit. Music therapy referral criteria, objectives and interventions are discussed and the music therapist's role in facilitating volunteer, staff, and bereavement support groups is explained.