Hospice of the Western Reserve Commemorates Music Therapy Month in Ohio

Hospice of the Western Reserve Commemorates Music Therapy Month in Ohio

CLEVELAND, Oct. 21, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Hospice of the Western Reserve is observing Music Therapy Month by educating the community about the important role music therapy can play in providing care during the final stages of life. A variety of activities can be employed by the agency's music therapists to help patients, including listening to melodies, playing an instrument, drumming, writing songs and guided imagery.

As a leader in the community and one of the top ten hospice providers in the country, Hospice of the Western Reserve's non-profit status enables it to support patient services that are not reimbursable: "So much of our work is not compensated, but it is still integral to our work to continue to meet the wishes and dreams of our patients," said Bill Finn, CEO. "We rely on donations - of time, talent or monies - to benefit our community."

Sarah Maxwell, one of Hospice of the Western Reserve's certified music therapists, works with patients to help reduce anxiety, relieve pain and cope with anger and grief. "Music goes straight to the heart. It's a sacred and powerful tool that bypasses words," she said. Music therapy also gives patients the ability to connect with their family members in a variety of ways. Maxwell related the story of one hospice patient who worked on compiling a CD of his favorite songs as a legacy for his family. "Creating the CD not only provided him with a sense of purpose and brought back wonderful memories, but even helped to mend a strained family relationship," Maxwell said.

At Hospice of the Western Reserve, eight full- and part-time, board certified music therapists work with each patient's specialized team to focus on well-being. Music therapies are used to address a broad range of conditions, and have often proven to be especially effective in treating veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder.

About us: Hospice of the Western Reserve is a community-based, non-profit agency providing comfort and emotional support to patients and their families. We care for people in a variety of settings including the home, hospital, long-term care facility, at David Simpson Hospice House overlooking Lake Erie or at our inpatient Hospice Care Center in Olmsted Township and soon at Ames Family Hospice House in Westlake. For more information, visit hospicewr.org or call 800.707.8922.

Laurie Henrichsen
Media Relations and Events Coordinator
Hospice of the Western Reserve
E-mail: Lhenrichsen@HospiceWR.org
B: 216-502-4460
C: 216-701-1768

SOURCE Hospice of the Western Reserve

Hospice of the Western Reserve

Web Site: http://www.hospicewr.org

-------
Profile: intent