Huron Hospice Receives Gold Level Music Care Certification
Huron Hospice, located in Canada, has made a significant achievement by becoming the first hospice in the country to receive Gold Level Music Care Certification. This certification, awarded by the Room 217 Foundation, highlights the hospice’s dedication to utilizing music as a key component in enhancing the care and well-being of its residents.
Deb Shelley, the Volunteer Coordinator at Huron Hospice, emphasized the longstanding role that music has played at the Bender House, stating, “Music has always been a vital part of our care philosophy at Huron Hospice.”
Importance of Music in Care
The certification process provided by the Room 217 Foundation offers valuable insights into how music can be used to improve a person’s care. By incorporating music that aligns with the residents’ autonomy, history, tastes, and various needs, Huron Hospice aims to decrease agitation, reduce isolation, and ultimately enhance well-being.
Insight into Certification Process
It took Huron Hospice nearly 12 months to achieve Gold Level Music Care Certification, a journey that involved a comprehensive review of the hospice’s soundscape and a research project to observe the impact of music on residents. Through this process, the hospice staff gained a deeper understanding of the therapeutic benefits of music in palliative care.
Making Music Integral to Care
By integrating music into the core of their care approach, Huron Hospice has been able to create a more holistic and enriching experience for their residents. With music now considered an essential part of the care plan, the hospice is seeing positive outcomes in terms of overall well-being and comfort for their residents.
Continuing Growth and Impact
Since the implementation of music therapy training, Huron Hospice volunteers and staff have continued to expand their knowledge and expertise in utilizing music for ‘whole person care.’ With a focus on individualized music preferences during the intake process, Bender House ensures that each resident’s stay is tailored to their unique needs and preferences.
Huron Hospice’s commitment to integrating music as a therapeutic tool underscores their dedication to providing comprehensive and compassionate end-of-life care for their residents and their families.
