One of the most requested services at VNA is our music therapy program, which has become such a life-affirming example of how hospice and palliative care truly focuses on quality of life. 

This time of limited face-to-face interaction with patients due to Covid-19 has been a challenge as well as an opportunity to expand creativity for VNA music therapist Karen Sholander, MT-BC, HPMT. In an effort to continue to offer therapy for her patients in a unique and personalized way, Karen created the Front Porch Concert Series. Karen sings and plays an instrument on a person’s porch or patio while still maintaining social distancing regulations. Hospice patients and caregivers watch through a window as she performs.  Songs include favorites from the 1920s including “5 foot 2, Eyes of Blue”, “The Chattanooga Choo-Choo” and “This Little Light of Mine”.

“Sometimes I only see the patient one time. I need to make the most positive impact I can make in the short time I have. There are no do-overs.” 

Music brings out a part of all of us that in darker times may seem to have been lost. For hospice patients, it brings memories, connections, and a gentle way of processing life changes.

For more information, or additional videos or photos, please feel free to contact me. Thanks so much.

Robin

VIDEO: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1_QfHzBvFX2_gB8Dxlsc8pgypB8jgn_e3/view?fbclid=IwAR2ZYQonu6Tl9eEGzcaqU0e7ymHFETIPNmf3dZc3QwkB9KGjjBsc3bp_IPo