By Cassandra Richtsmeier (MT-BC), Emily Nordhues (MT-BC), and Annela Flores (MT-BC)
Edited by Theresa Kwong, Communications Consultant
Music has an incredible way of connecting people and providing major support during some of the most joyful, sorrowful, and bittersweet moments of life. Music therapy aims to encourage that same kind of support through meaningful therapeutic connections across the lifespan and even between healthcare systems. Since MusicWorx is a private practice that provides music therapy services in a wide variety of facilities and agencies across San Diego County, this approach creates a unique continuum of care model that allows for beautiful stories like this one.
In December 2023, Annela Flores, MT-BC, provided music therapy support to a patient in a hospital intensive care unit. The patient had a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease and was declining rapidly. His daughter was present in the session and shared that her father loved music, and that he and his wife regularly attended a community music therapy group hosted by Alzheimer’s San Diego. She said it was the only group that his wife could encourage him to attend regularly. She was delighted to find out that the afternoon group’s music therapist, Emily Nordhues, MT-BC, worked with Annela at MusicWorx. After the session, the daughter inquired about in-home music therapy services, and Annela agreed to keep in touch.
A few days later, Annela told Emily that the patient’s daughter had informed her that her father had been placed on hospice care. Since Emily also provides hospice support services within her role at MusicWorx, she was able to connect with the patient’s family and fit in a visit after her regularly scheduled sessions.
“It was a very emotional visit,” Emily shared. “I was able to meet their three daughters and one granddaughter. As soon as I walked into the room, his wife started crying and told me, ‘I thought I’d never see you here.’ She gave me a big hug and made sure I knew how much I was loved by them.”
The session was a moving experience as the family sang along to the patient’s favorite songs, sharing memories and tears, and spending meaningful time together. The family was deeply grateful to Emily for taking the time to visit. Emily left the hospice facility around 6:30 p.m.; the patient passed around 3:00 a.m. the next morning.
Emily later expressed gratitude for the chance to continue supporting the patient and his family, as he and his wife had attended the Alzheimer’s San Diego group as usual in early December and had not been present for the following session. In the end, the family even requested that Emily provide music at the patient’s memorial service. Both Emily and the family were able to have closure of music therapy support through the opportunity of continuum of care.
Stories like this highlight the power of music therapy and the ongoing commitment of our team to provide compassionate, continuous care. Our music therapists are honored to work with facilities and agencies to support patients and families through their health and life journeys, and grateful to work alongside every member of the community, hospital, and hospice teams.
MusicWorx is honored to serve our community through every stage of care.
To explore our programs and services, click here.
