Music therapy benefits residents at Youville Home

Covenant Foundation donors improve quality of life for continuing care residents through the power of music.

Joanne G. may be a newer resident of Youville Home in St. Albert, but she has already been thoroughly enjoying many of the recreational therapies on offer, including music therapy. “Music therapy makes me crave lots of different kinds of music,” says Joanne. Thanks to support from Covenant Foundation, music therapy is offered weekly at Youville Home. Certified music therapist Nadine Verboa leads the sessions, which can include singing, playing an instrument, discussing music and memories, songwriting or listening to music for relaxation. She develops a therapeutic relationship with each resident, learning and connecting through music to tailor sessions to the individual.   Nadine says music therapy has many benefits. It can decrease feelings of isolation, increase self-expression and relaxation and improve overall health and well-being. Playing and listening to music also stimulates different parts of the brain, which can help communication, memory recall and emotional regulation. And for those who have experienced long-term anxiety, music therapy can be very calming ― residents may feel the positive effects for days after a session.

"It's so inspiring to see the impact our donors have on enhancing the quality of life for residents in Covenant’s continuing care sites like Youville Home,” says Lisa Munro, President & CEO of Covenant Foundation. Specialized programs like music therapy are vital for their well-being, and we are so proud to be able to support this type of experience that enhances holistic care – body, mind and soul."

As a certified music therapist, Nadine uses music and its elements to achieve various goals. She must constantly assess the responses of the person she is working with to adjust her techniques and interventions to align with what is needed in the moment.

“Using a holistic and compassionate approach allows me to hold space for whatever the person needs from the music that day,” says Nadine. “For example, I might be slowing down the music and lowering the key to make it more accessible to sing, offering a small handheld instrument to engage in a joint music-making experience, matching the tempo of a song to the person’s breath to promote relaxation or using it in a way that encourages reminiscing.”

Sessions can take place one-on-one or in small groups, but it’s not necessary to be a trained musician to participate or benefit, says Nadine. Residents may simply enjoy music. “I can’t sing or play anything,” says Joanne. “I just love and have a deep appreciation for any and all music and always have! I used to love dancing my legs off to the golden oldies and feeling the music."