Music with the dying patient?

Published

I am a grad student RN in a research course... Im looking for information about the use of music when caring for an actively dying patient in the nursing home. Im not finding a lot out there yet... I am interested in the effect it has on the patient and the patient's family... and would love some ideas, links, suggestions to find studies, etc...THANKS

Specializes in LTC.

I have used music therpy for many years in LTC situations and personal Hospice experiences. While my boyfriends Mom was passing we took turns holding her hand and singing to her. Until she peacefully passed after 14 years with parkinsons. Use music and love your pts, you can make the family so greatful for you love and caring.

:redpinkhe

Specializes in Certified Wound Care Nurse.

I believe the term you might be looking for is "music thanatology". This area of care focuses on providing (in some cases) live music at the end of life.

If interested, here is a very good link:

http://growthhouse.org/music.html

It's a good site all the way around.

Take care,

Shawna

Specializes in Hospice, Palliative Care, OB/GYN, Peds,.

I am known as the singing Hospice nurse because I sing to my patients when they are imminent and my peers tease me because they usually die (not my peers) shortly thereafter. So many times they ask me to go sing to their patients when they are imminent. I have found over the years that music is a universal language and can soothe the soul so to speak. Though I am an old lady now, if I were to change careers, I would go into music therapy. I am not aware of any info but good luck and keep us posted.

They are such an awesome organization. I'm thinking of applying to their program in a few years. Switched over to nursing from music precisely for this reason.

Specializes in IM/Critical Care/Cardiology.

"Sing me back home before I die"

Gram Parsons

Flying Burrito Brothers

I work for a hospice agency and we have 2 music therapist available to us. Our patients love them. They do go to long term care facilities and the patients look forward to thier visits.

Specializes in critical/truama/alchol drug rehab.
I am a grad student RN in a research course... Im looking for information about the use of music when caring for an actively dying patient in the nursing home. Im not finding a lot out there yet... I am interested in the effect it has on the patient and the patient's family... and would love some ideas, links, suggestions to find studies, etc...THANKS

i wanted to let you know

we are doing that with my 90 year old grandmother

that is in hospice

She used to love the songs from Neil Diamond Jonathan livingston seagull

it was very spiritual for her and gave her peace

i found a cd and bougt a unexpensive cd player and i play it for her and have the music looped over and over

it seems to help calm her

i cant always sing songs to her

and she seems to sleep better too

god bless you

and hope this helps

leah

One of our Chaplains takes his guitar with him on visits and our patients love it. When he calls to schedule visits, the patients always tell him "only if you bring your guitar". By the time they are active he has been singing and playing for them for awhile and knows what their favorites are. He has been asked several times to sing at the funerals.

I know for a fact that music helps the dying patient. My Grandmother was in the hospital unable to go home due to oxygen issues. We were all by her side off and on for a week and a half.We all said our goodbyes and told her it was alright to go. My sister brought in a cd player from home and we played Christmas songs (this was always her favorite holiday). She passed during Silent Night, and went very peacefully. I will always think of her when I hear that song. I know that it not only helped ease her discomfort, but that we will always remember the moment of her passing as a good memory. I am a pre-nursing student at the moment but I plan to become a Hospice nurse when I am finished with school. :redpinkhe

+ Join the Discussion