About

Tom* can’t believe this is happening.

Tom was living an active retirement. He enjoyed his newfound freedom for a few years until he started experiencing some confusion and difficulties carrying out day-to-day tasks.

After going to the doctor, he was diagnosed with vascular dementia. The road ahead seemed too difficult even to imagine. He was depressed as he felt like there was no chance for happiness anymore as he imagined his final years.

Nancy* wants what’s best for her husband

Nancy and Robert* have been married for 50 years. When they vowed to be together in sickness and in health, they did so with joy and sincere commitment.

Now that Robert has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease dementia, Nancy is determined to stay true to her vow. She does not want to give up hope and is working tirelessly to make Robert comfortable and bring as much positivity as she can – but it’s not easy.

Everything changed since Jim’s* father was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s.

Since the Alzheimer’s diagnosis, nothing seems to bring Jim’s dad noticeable joyful moments. As the disease progresses, there are fewer things that engage him. Whenever Jim visits, his dad watches television. It doesn’t feel right to use the television as the only means to keep him engaged.

He loves his father so much, and it breaks his heart to know that now this is his father’s life. This is Jim’s life, too.

It was already difficult enough to take care of himself between the full-time job, social responsibilities, being present as a spouse, and a caring parent. Now add in his father getting a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s, which feels like too much. He wonders what he can do for his father? What can he do for himself?

Peace and joy are still possible for your loved one.

It’s hard finding time to enjoy life with your loved one. Making sure all doctors’ appointments go well and scheduling meetings to hire home caregivers is nothing compared to wanting to make sure your loved one still has a shot at some happiness in these crazy times. So, you start looking for what is out there.

That’s what led you here. You’ve found what you’ve been looking for, music therapy. The use of music to help people achieve their goals… It never crossed your mind before, but it makes sense.

Considerable information shows that music can bring joy into the lives of people with age-related illnesses, even Alzheimer’s. You realize that music has been medicine throughout all of this and know that your loved one could benefit from music therapy.

Music therapy helps seniors with age-related illnesses.

You’ve found a music therapist that specializes in working with seniors. You book a session for your loved one. When you see your loved one connect and engage with the music, you see smiles, hear singing, and notice that constantly worried face has turned into a joyful one. Confidence and happiness emerge in the moment. Those expressions help you feel your worried face relax, and you feel yourself smiling, too.

You think, “This is exactly what my loved one needs.”

Music therapy helps caregivers, too.

You found a music therapist that works with caregivers, too. You’ve been feeling you need to address your needs to help your loved one better. It’s like what they say on airplanes, “Put on your life-saving oxygen mask before assisting others.” Makes sense, right? Can’t help anybody if you’re passed out.

You learn best practices of how to be present and compassionately care for your loved one, develop a creative outlet, and are supported in learning about the science behind all mindfulness practices you’ve wanted to try – like meditation, gratitude, compassion, and reconciliation.

Being online makes it easy to schedule and create a safe place anywhere so that you can talk about your experience without the fear of judgment. Over time, you start putting these exercises into practice and have support along the way.

You find gratitude in the moments you have with your loved one in the present moment. Instead of frustrating and draining, the experience of being a caregiver becomes enriching and empowering.

*Names changed to protect client confidentiality.