Mary’s story
Mary is a woman in her nineties. She lives in a care home, where she began participating in both group and one-to-one music therapy sessions with Reuben, one of our music therapists.
Mary has dementia and is unable to recognise individuals or sustain dialogue beyond a very brief exchange. However, Mary has a very sociable nature and uses the communicative abilities she retains to project warmth and pursue connections with others.
During open-group sessions, Mary would often take a leadership role and use her warmth, sociability and ease in music to draw others in, celebrating their contributions. In one-to-one sessions, Mary would sustain her engagement for long periods despite the frequent disorientation and anxiety her progressing symptoms brought on.
It was during these sessions with Reuben that she would participate to whatever degree she felt moved to – often singing for so long that she needed to pause for a tea to rest her voice.
The decline of her physical health confined Mary to her bed, where she continued music therapy sessions with Reuben from her private room. Within the music session Mary is able to exercise both her musical and social competence, pursuing meaningful synergy with Reuben and previously, others in the home.
Stories
May’s story
May is learning to use music with increased independence, to reflect on her emotions and thoughts in the moment.
Mr G’s story
While Mr G lived in the hostel, music therapy became an important part of his week, improving his self-esteem and giving him a break from negative thoughts.
Oliver’s story
Oliver is a smiley four year old who has cerebral palsy. He appeared to enjoy music, so, he began music therapy at nursery in the hope that it would help him to flourish.