Music therapist revels in reaching non-responsive residents
Wednesday, January 4, 2006 -- Craig Anderson
When a resident labeled ‘non-responsive’ lights up to her guitar playing and singing – by making eye contact, swaying, speaking or tapping their toes – music therapist Elaine Ma is reminded of the ability of music to act as a transformative communication form.

Elaine, who co-runs “Music Comfort Care” at Winbourne Park and Elginwood along with holistic bodyworker Karen Haffey, sees palpable benefits from music therapy on a weekly basis.

“I love working with the elderly,” says Elaine, via email. “What inspires me is to be able to use music as a tool for these residents to help them achieve their full potential and to enhance their quality of life using music.”

After graduating from Wilfrid Laurier in 2003 with an Honours Degree in Music Therapy and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Elaine completed the required 1000 hour internship for music therapy accreditation in the palliative care unit at Sunnybrook and Women’s College Health Sciences Centre.

Elaine considers working with the elderly, especially those in palliative units, a “privilege.”

“[All] seniors have a story to tell, and part of my job allows me to get to know each of the residents on personal level.”

The Music Comfort Care program is geared towards both cognitively well and unwell residents. The program is run monthly at Winbourne Park, specifically for residents in either early or late stage of dementia. At Elginwood, the program runs weekly, designed for residents requiring sensory stimulation. Its therapeutic benefits, says Karen Haffey, are multiple:

To offer sensory stimulation (visual, auditory, olfactory, tactile)
2. To encourage interaction and socialization
3. To reduce isolation
4. To encourage communication and self-expression
5. To reduce anxiety and promote relaxation

For residents with mild dementia, Elaine notes, forming in-home choirs is a way to boost self-esteem, help build friendships and for some, re-inserts the activity of making music back into their lives.

During her sessions, Elaine employs familiar songs, movement, instrumental playing (she has played piano since the age of five), and improvisation. Karen augments the sessions by assisting Elaine in singing, as well as offering massages to program participants.

Although it is common to see quick results in many residents, those with late stage dementia require diligence, says Elaine.

“This work is challenging because you have to be patient. You may not see a response from a late stage dementia person for a few months,” says Elaine. “Then you start to question whether or not what you are doing is beneficial. However, when they do respond, it just blows your mind away. It makes me realize that I am in the right profession and that everything I do is worth it.”

Elaine is currently finishing her music therapy accreditation, which along with 1000 hours of internship also requires an ethics exam, a case study, and an essay documenting each student’s personal philosophy of music therapy.