Lessons Learned as a Nursing Home Musician
Music is doing a lot for me. It is beyond the cliché. I am “as happy as a clam,” pretending to be a professional guitarist that is able to play anything. I get excited when I get a proposal to play live anywhere. I am encouraged when I get more than three views on my Facebook page of the short snippets, I create using my iPhone and a growing knowledge of video editing. I am “on a high” if I get more than fifty views on my YouTube channel. I am happy knowing I am getting a little better every week. I am I am giddy when I pack up my equipment to actually play somewhere. Lately all the events have been with senior citizens or the infirmed. They appreciate the joy.
There are a lot of musicians capable of doing what I dream of. It seems none of that is required to entertain our elderly or those in assisted living facilities. I’ve been to a few now. Once you reach a certain stage in your life, this is where you could end up. It’s not for everyone.
With the exception of a few, most nursing facilities are crowded. The residents are tended to by immigrants. Some look numb to what is going on all around them and you wonder if it is low IQ or just the opposite. You may have to be numb to operate in this environment 24/7. The temperature is warm. You may smell urine and see residents that have soiled themselves. Modesty is rare. You are entering someone’s home or personal space when you walk into a place. You may hear someone in distress or in some stage of mental crisis. Sometimes it’s not an emergency. It can be unsettling. People die there.
No facility is the same. They are as different as the people inside it. This includes management.
Music in a nursing facility is therapeutic. Music does stuff to the mind, body and spirit for all of us. It doesn’t diminish when we are old. Playing music in a nursing, assisted living, retirement, or hospice facility is a ministry. I am blessed every time I have been invited in one way or another. It was not what I planned to do when I began. It just happened.
I am learning the importance of calling someone’s name. The importance of touch. The importance of conversation. The importance of being human. In essence, being human transcends mere biology; it encompasses our emotions, consciousness, and the awe-inspiring journey of existence.
Then there are the benefits I provide by playing this music.
There are Physical Health Benefits:
- Stress Reduction: Music has the power to soothe our nerves and lower stress levels. It can reduce anxiety, blood pressure, and even alleviate pain.
- Improved Sleep Quality: Calming melodies can promote better sleep, aiding in restful nights.
- Enhanced Brain Function: Listening to music stimulates your brain, activating various areas. It can improve mental alertness and memory¹².
- Heart Health: Music's positive effects on mood and relaxation can lead to better cardiovascular health.
There are mental and emotional benefits:
- Mood Enhancement: Whether it's an upbeat tune or a soulful ballad, music can lift your spirits and boost your mood.
- Emotional Expression: Music provides an outlet for emotions. It allows us to express feelings that words alone cannot convey.
- Pain Management: Engaging with music can help manage pain perception, especially during recovery or chronic conditions.
- Memory Retention: Listening to music aids memory recall and slows cognitive decline, benefiting those with mild or moderate dementia¹⁴.
I see the social and cultural connections when I play.
Music unites people. National anthems, protest songs, and hymns create a sense of shared purpose.
And there are the cognitive benefits I witness in the nursing homes. Active engagement with music positively impacts cognitive function and quality of life.