Music soothing to seniors

On any Friday morning at Windsor’s Dykeland Lodge, Ben Robertson reaches out to dementia patients through a program called Spiritual Circle.

Before Robertson enters the room, few in the circle are truly present; each is in their own world. Many don’t open their eyes as staff prepare for the program. Others stare into space. Once Robertson begins to strum his guitar and speak to those gathered, however, there is a dramatic change. To an observer, the participants appear to come alive.

When he left a 35-year career in Information Technology to become a Music Therapist, he knew he wanted more of a human connection. “I had had enough of corporate environment. I wanted to do something more meaningful and rewarding. I had been a musician all my life, so it was a natural transition.”

Working with the elderly came more by chance. “I wasn’t sure who I wanted to work with, but after my first semester at Acadia, I took part in creating a Spiritual Circle program at Windsor Elms. I just fell in love with the seniors.”

Music Therapy is a new and powerful tool for working with seniors. Cynthia Bruce, President of the Atlantic Association for Music Therapy and part-time instructor in Acadia’s Music Therapy program sees it as a unique way to positively impact the quality of seniors’ lives. “There is a power that music has to effect change; to move people, emotionally, psychologically and physically. It’s exciting to see the things that people are able to do when they’re exposed to music therapy that they weren’t able to do before. That could encompass movement, communication, memory, coping, emotional expression, etc.”

Because Music Therapy is relatively new, there can be some resistance to adding it to the staffing and budget priorities for non-profit homes like Dykeland Lodge. Recreation Director Sherry Sanford had to work hard to find the resources necessary for their programming.

Two years ago, Robertson came to her with a grant from the Canadian Music Therapy Trust Fund that would pay his salary and equipment costs for six months. He began a Chime Choir and Spiritual Circle program during that time.

“After six months, we had to decide how to continue. We went to the board of directors and the Friends of Dykeland for help.” Sanford says. After speaking with families and observing Robertson in action, the board and Friends of Dykeland agreed to share the cost of Robertson’s two-day a week contract.

K: Beautiful benefits

Spiritual Circle is a beautiful example of the benefits Music Therapy can bring. Predominantly for seniors suffering from dementia who are unable to attend traditional church services, Spiritual Circle takes place in a small group setting; the program is a unique mix of music and spirituality. “Even people with dementia have a spiritual need,” Robertson notes. “Spiritual Circle is designed to reach them.”

Beth House, recreation director at the Windsor Elm’s facility, is thrilled with the benefits that the program brings to her residents. “It has just been fabulous. It’s wonderful to see the residents who may not even speak on a regular basis reciting the Lord’s Prayer, singing along to the old hymns, answering questions. They really connect with Ben.”

“I have immense respect for that group,” says Bruce. “He does a fantastic job. [It takes] something that has been part of someone’s life forever and turn it into a therapeutic tool.”

Providing the program is not simply a matter of strumming a few tunes. Through conversation, touch, music, stories and traditional hymns, Robertson does reach them. He connects with each person in an intense and meaningful way. “It is tough to illustrate to people the skills that it takes to do this,” Bruce points out. “You don’t get the same effect when you put an untrained musician into the room and just play music for them. You need someone who has a true understanding of how music effects human behavior and how to take that understanding and use it.”

K: Great fulfillment

He finds great fulfillment in the work: “Just seeing the way they respond to the program, they come alive.” Bruce adds that it isn’t a passive activity for the seniors. “It engages their minds.” Spiritual Circle has a calming effect on participants in what can be a “chaotic environment.” “Even if they have forgotten five minutes later that we were there, the feeling remains.”

Although the program is also meaningful for residents with other challenges, such as visual impairment and depression, Robertson tries to limit the group to 10 or fewer participants. “It’s a challenge to keep the group small,” he says. Too large a group “destroys my ability to provide an intimate experience. To be able to interact with them as individuals.”

Music Therapy is a demanding second career. “As much as I love the work, and it’s fulfilling, it’s also draining because you give so much.” An added challenge in working with seniors is that many clients are near the end of their life. “It’s very hard and it’s certainly something you have to accept - that you will lose people you have grown fond of.”

Robertson doesn’t operate alone. At Windsor Elms, he has the assistance of a chaplain and the recreation department. At Dykeland, Sanford and her staff assist in programming. Several Acadia Music therapy students have also completed their practicum with Robertson. “They’re a tremendous help”

Those students are entering a growing field. With one of only five accredited education programs through Acadia’s School of Music, roughly a dozen music therapists working in Nova Scotia and less than 20 in Atlantic Canada, there is room to grow.

Robertson sees many opportunities outside of his specialty or Bruce’s previous work in obstetrics. “There is loads of opportunity, the need is there in all populations- working with children, youth at risk, people with psychological differences, in rehab and palliative care.”