| Tuesday, March 02, 2010 |
 Elderly Patients Benefit from Unique Music Therapy Program at Wellstone Regional HospitalJEFFERSONVILLE, Ind. – (March 2, 2010) – Soon after board-certified music therapist Alexandrea McCaslin began working at Wellstone Regional Hospital, the staff began noticing positive results in the responsiveness of elderly patients. At least twice a week, patients in the geriatric unit take part in a music-based therapy session. According to the American Music Therapy Association, clinical experiences show music can be a viable form of therapy for older persons with physical, psychological, cognitive or social functioning. “Patients who may not even know their own names join in and sing songs like ‘Amazing Grace’ and ‘America the Beautiful’,” said McCaslin. “This music group is full of fun, heart-felt and energetic music making. Each session is filled with laughs, smiles and tears by staff and patients alike.” Depending on their abilities, many patients are given instruments that are acoustically, visually and texturally stimulating. McCaslin facilitates movement to music, group improvised instrument playing, group sing-alongs and reminiscent discussions. Patients who are usually minimally responsive frequently amaze staff members when they sing and play instruments. “Through the music therapy program, Alex has been able to enhance patients’ moods, increase socialization and responsiveness, as well as decrease agitation and isolation,” said Thomas Stormanns, chief executive officer of Wellstone, a Psychiatric Solutions, Inc. (PSI) facility. “The success-oriented and the multisensory technique she uses does wonders to combat emotional problems, such as depression and dementia.” McCaslin earned a bachelor’s degree in music therapy from the University of Louisville in Louisville, Ky. About Wellstone Regional Hospital About Psychiatric Solutions, Inc. (PSI) ### |
