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Resources
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Ask Dr. Twaddle |
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My father is in the latter stages of Alzheimer’s, and his hospice nurse has suggested music-thanatology. How is it different from music therapy?
Music can be used to help patients and families dealing with a serious illness through one of two modern techniques—music therapy or music-thanatology.
Music therapy is provided by a certified music therapist who is trained in music as well as counseling. It uses voice and instrument to help promote relaxation and self-expression. Music therapy can encourage important experiences of closure near the end of life, such as life reminiscence using requested music or the writing of a special song as a legacy for loved ones.
Music-thanatology is a sub-specialty of palliative medicine that uses harp and voice at the bedside to address the physical, emotional and spiritual pain and symptoms of seriously ill patients.
During a visit, certified music-thanatologists play a range of prescriptive music based on the patient’s symptoms at the time. An assessment of emotional symptoms such as anxiety, fear or sadness and physical symptoms such as pulse, temperature, respiratory rate, level of pain and overall diagnosis determine what music will be played and which techniques will be used.
Music-thanatology is most appropriate for patients who are experiencing acute physical, emotional and spiritual pain and symptoms and are in the latter stages of an illness.
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