Music Therapy Pilot Project to Start at DeKalb County Hospice
June 26, 2008DeKalb County Hospice recently received a check for $2,022 from the DeKalb County Community Foundation to purchase equipment for its new Music Enhancement/Music Therapy program, which will start in July. Music Therapy is the clinical and evidence-based use of music, providing a compassionate and non-invasive approach to end of life care designed to meet patient’s needs while celebrating their strengths.
In addition to the music therapy component, the project will include the process of beginning a “live music” program. This aspect of the project will involve recruiting, auditioning and training volunteer musicians to provide live musical performances for patients and families. DeKalb County Hospice hopes to recruit musicians from a wide range of instruments, genres and styles.
Jen Conley, a board certified music therapist and licensed professional counselor, will be leading the program. Jen has previous music therapy experience in geriatrics, hospice work and community mental health. She is currently the director of Music & Liturgy at the Newman Catholic Student Center in DeKalb, and is also a local performer and singer/songwriter.
DeKalb County Hospice has also received funding from the George & Betty Dutton Foundation and IDEAL INDUSTRIES FOUNDATION to initiate this innovative and exciting new program for our community.
Pictured are Gary Cordes, Board member DeKalb County Community Foundation and Karen Hagen, Execuive Director DeKalb County Hospice.
