Document Type
Article
Publication Date
11-2013
Department
Faculty of Music
Abstract
Music has been an important part of the human existence across all continents and cultures since the beginning of recorded time. It is used, for example, in the celebration of happy events, for religious rituals, and to acknowledge the death of loved ones, often as part of spiritual and symbolic rituals. Although the formal and structured use of music as a component of care for individuals in end-of-life palliative care and hospice systems is relatively new in the world of contemporary medicine, its use is growing rapidly and is appreciated by both those providing the music and those receiving the benefits of the music, including patients and their families. This article provides a brief review of some of the current uses of music therapy, including its use in end-of-life care, and illuminates the benefits and potential uses of music through a case example.
Recommended Citation
Gordon M, Clements-Cortes A. Music at the end of life: bringing comfort and saying goodbye through song and story. Annals of Long-Term Care: Clinical Care and Aging. 2013;21(11):24-29.
Included in
Alternative and Complementary Medicine Commons, Music Therapy Commons, Palliative Care Commons