Bringing Music to the Bedside
When volunteer Elizabeth Wendt brings her harp to our Roseville Medical Center to play music for patients, she’s more than an entertainer—she’s a healer. As a certified music practitioner, Wendt is trained to provide live, personalized music to promote healing, relieve pain and anxiety, and ease the life-death transition.
“I improvise music to adapt to the patient’s needs,” said Wendt. “If a patient’s heart rate is high, I first try to match his or her body’s rhythm, then gradually reduce the tempo to slow it down. If a patient’s oxygen levels are low, I leave lots of space in the music, which helps them draw breath.”
Wendt began playing at our Roseville Medical Center in early 2007. She visits the hospital once a week to play music for patients who are recommended by the nursing staff. She’s played her harp in the ICU, PACU, the infusion center and other departments.
“This is my passion,” said Wendt. “The level of human-to-human connection is very high.”
The healing music has been well received by patients, family members, and staff. As a result, the program is expanding under the leadership of Connie Johnstone, manager of Spiritual Care, North Valley. Johnstone joined Kaiser Permanente to develop a comprehensive spiritual care program, including the music program.
“We are looking for staff members and community volunteers who would like to get involved in providing this healing service for patients,” said Johnstone. “Our goal is to have certified music practitioners provide live music on every patient unit once a week, and in non-clinical areas as well.”
Healing music volunteers—whether playing at bedside or in the common areas—need to complete a training course that covers privacy and other issues. Wendt, who is certified by a national organization, serves as music coordinator.
A variety of studies have documented the therapeutic value of live music in hospitals and other health-care settings. Live therapeutic music is used with many types of patients, from premature babies and birthing mothers to those suffering from dementia or who are dying.
If you are a musician interested in volunteering for the program, contact Johnstone at (916) 784-4927.
