Hospice Legacy Work
I had the privilege of working with hospice patients during my internship with Seasons Hospice. I worked full time for six months and loved the experience! I look forward to continuing to connect with hospice companies as an individual music therapy contractor.
One of my favorite things to do in hospice is to work with patients on legacy projects. A legacy project in the context of music therapy consists of a variety of possibilities: a meaningful recording, composition, performance, poem, or anything else that the patient, family, or friends can imagine. It’s a tangible memory (in the form of video, picture, recording, etc.) that will live on forever. What makes it special and unique is that no two legacy projects are the same; each one is unique and meaningful in its own way.
A legacy project that stands out to me when thinking back to my hospice experience was working with a patient on a guitar and harmonica recital. Every time I went to visit Stanley, he played harmonica, and I played guitar (and sometimes my flute). After a series of visits, Stanley joked about “taking our show on the road,” and I asked him, “Why not?! Let’s have a performance!” He instantly beamed, and our plans took root from that moment on. I spoke with his son and received permission to record (audio and video) the recital.
On the day of the performance, Stanley was so excited. He got all dressed up, and I brought a variety of sweet treats for the reception following the performance. It was comfortable and relaxed - held in the group board and care facility where Stanley resided. Stanley’s daughter-in-law traveled from Yucaipa (nearly 60 miles) to attend the performance, and he was elated to have her there.
The performance ended with Stanley shedding a few emotional tears upon hearing his favorite song Danny Boy, and I am so grateful to have been a part of the experience. I gave the video and pictures to Stanley’s son David, and a couple of months later I had the opportunity to play guitar and sing at Stanley’s memorial service.
Life closure through legacy work is more powerful than words could ever express. Just ask David and the rest of Stanley’s family. It’s what transforms the hospice experience from standard care to meaningful and excellent care of the whole patient - going beyond the patient’s physical needs to her/his emotional and spiritual needs as well.
(Go to my VIDEOS page to see a short clip of the recital.)
