The Power of Music as Therapy

Sue Whitham asks herself the same question each day she comes to work at Consulate Health Care’s Oakbridge Healthcare Center in Lakeland, FL: how can I develop activities that resonate with our residents? From bingo to arts and crafts, Sue tries to create activities that match residents’ interests. Why is this important? Beyond giving purpose to their day and stimulating the mind, it’s how we help our residents continue to pursue the passions they’ve enjoyed throughout their lives. The results can be almost therapeutic and, every once in awhile, you might see something that really surprises you.

Not long ago, Sue witnessed one of those surprises through Betty Wade, one of Oakbridge’s short-term care patients with a profound passion for music. Betty naturally gravitated to all of the musically-inclined activities Sue planned, using them as an opportunity to build relationships with the staff and, of course, enjoy her lifelong interest in music. It was an afternoon like this when Betty did something that shocked everyone. Betty spotted a piano and began to play a beautiful array of sing-a-long tunes with a chorus of residents who joined her in song throughout the floor.

You see, during Betty’s stay in our short-term care unit, playing the piano was one of the things she missed the most. She would often talk about how much she looked forward to playing again when she returned home. Surprisingly, Betty had no clue that just one floor above her in the long-term care unit rested a piano she could play to her heart’s content. Since discovering the piano, Sue continues to encourage Betty to play whenever she likes. The sounds of music echo through the halls, ringing out colorful melodies that offer our residents and patients a fun new way to be more energized and involved while clapping their hands and singing along to the familiar tunes Betty plays.

Providing our patients and residents with the opportunity to continue pursuing their passions is a direct reflection of our mission statement, “Providing Service with Our Hearts and Hands”. Our goal is to help every patient and resident “find their piano” and activities directors like Sue help make that goal a reality. Whether it’s Betty’s songs filling the halls with music, a flower design class, or a holiday celebration, there’s a little bit of something for everyone and a friendly face to help make sure it’s an enjoyable time.