Music Connects Patient and Family During the Holidays

Maggie Scheppman • December 16, 2021

It has been such a pleasure to work with my patient who is adored and supported by her family. Over the months I have primarily worked with the patient and her husband to provide music and the opportunity for them to connect and reminisce about their life together. Recently, the patient’s children were also present for a session and her son had purchased a recordable Christmas ornament. Because this patient had a recent decline, her son wanted to get a recording of his mother’s voice while it was still possible. I led the whole family in the song, “You are My Sunshine,” and eventually the patient sang along as well. Her children encouraged her to keep singing and her son was able to get a recording of his mother and father singing “You are My Sunshine” together to be cherished for future holiday seasons. The family was not sure if they would be able to get anything recorded because the patient declined so rapidly, and I am honored that they thought to bring out the keepsake during my visit due to their confidence that the music would result in a meaningful recording.


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