A few weeks ago, Sam and I had the privilege of traveling to St. Simons Island to participate in the Georgia Health Care Association’s Annual Social Worker’s Meeting. We were invited to this significant event to watch the film, Alive Inside, alongside conference attendees, and subsequently presented on the benefits of music therapy for patients and residents in long-term residential care. This experience was enriching, and I’m eager to share our observations, what we learned, and the valuable takeaways from this trip.
Addressing the Elephant in the Room: The Film “Alive Inside”
First and foremost, let’s address a critical point of contention: Why do music therapists get so passionate about the film Alive Inside and its surrounding hype? If you’re a music therapist, you likely understand this sentiment. If you’re not, you might wonder why our field seems a bit defensive about this movie. Our defensiveness stems from a common misconception: the public often equates the Music & Memory program with music therapy. Although it’s flattering when friends and family relate the work depicted in the film to what we do, it can also be frustrating because our field is frequently misunderstood.
Presentation Insights: The Power and Limitations of Music Access
During our presentation to the social workers, I expressed my dual perspective: as a musician, I was thrilled to see seniors in the film access their favorite music. However, as a music therapist, I recognized several missed opportunities to address clinical goals like reducing isolation, enhancing social interaction, facilitating memory recall, verbal processing, making emotional connections with family members, life review, and overall quality of life improvement. This highlights why the iPod program cannot replace comprehensive music therapy services
A Missed Opportunity: The Case of Henry
One poignant example involves Henry, an elderly gentleman with Alzheimer’s, typically described as confused and isolated. When staff provided Henry with headphones playing his favorite music, he visibly lit up, singing beautifully and recalling memories linked to the music. While this moment was moving, it also underscored a missed opportunity. Observing the room, you could see other residents showing genuine interest in Henry’s reaction. This scenario was a perfect moment for a board-certified music therapist to initiate a group session, helping Henry and others share their memories and experiences, thus fostering community rather than further isolation.
The Role of Music Therapists: Advocates, Not Adversaries
So, should music therapists be defensive? I don’t think so. This film underscores the profound impact that music has on our minds and memories. I firmly believe everyone should have access to their favorite music whenever they wish. Furthermore, while music therapy is an effective clinical intervention, it isn’t meant to be a constant presence; patients need breaks just like they do from physical therapy. It’s crucial for music therapists to understand that we can’t view programs like the iPod initiative as threats if they’re not intended to replace professional music therapy but rather complement it.
Advocating for Dual Programs in Facilities
That’s why I believe every facility could benefit from having both a music entertainment program (like iPods or live musicians) and a music therapy program. It shouldn’t be a choice between one or the other; it should be both. Patients should enjoy music for leisure and entertainment, and separately, engage with music therapy services to address specific clinical goals.
Music therapists, we have made tremendous progress over the past 60-70 years. Imagine how much further we could go if we viewed music entertainment programs as allies, not enemies! This perspective shift could significantly enhance our ability to serve and impact our communities positively.