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Community Corner

Music Therapy enhances seniors' quality of life in University Hospitals Bedford Medical Center's "Age Well, Be Well" club

UH Connor Integrative Medicine Network oversees program designed to improve social engagement

Bedford, Ohio – University Hospitals (UH) Bedford Medical Center, a campus of UH Regional Hospitals, has expanded its music therapy program. In addition to offering music therapy to inpatients, the hospital has opened the specialized program to members of its Center for Healthy Aging “Age Well, Be Well” club in an effort to encourage seniors’ self-expression and social engagement.

Music therapy is the clinical and evidence-based use of music by a board-certified music therapist to address non-musical goals within individual or group settings. “Music therapy is a remarkable tool to serve our mission of optimal health for body, mind and spirit,” says Francoise Adan, MD, Medical Director, UH Connor Integrative Medicine Network, which oversees the program. “Our therapists are recognized experts in their field and are part of one of the largest music therapy programs in the nation.”

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UH Connor Music Therapist Seneca Paul Block, MT-BC, provides this specialized form of wellness therapy to inpatients at both UH Bedford and Richmond medical centers. This spring, Robert G. David, President of the hospitals, proposed that Block launch a bimonthly music therapy program for “Age Well, Be Well” members on the UH Bedford campus.

“In May, we began songwriting sessions with well elders, most of whom have never written music or lyrics,” says Block, who has developed what he calls a “seed sheet” which helps participants with the songwriting process. “We start with a main idea, the group works together to evolve the idea into lyrics, then they choose a style and tempo and I set it to music.” During the session Block and the seniors perform and record the new composition, and each participant leaves with a copy of the finished song burned to compact disc. 

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“The seniors come out of their session so proud of what they’ve accomplished during those two hours,” says Lori Robinson, Coordinator, “Age Well, Be Well” program, UH Bedford Medical Center. “They are empowered by their musical experience and more enthusiastic about joining together for other activities.”

The free “Age Well, Be Well” music therapy sessions are open to any member of the club on a first-come signup basis. The sessions typically take place from 1 – 3 p.m. on the second and last Friday each month in room B70 of the Medical Office Building on the UH Bedford campus. Groups are limited to ten participants per session. 

“Music therapy adds another unique dimension to the way we deliver care each day,” says Robert G. David, President, UH Bedford and Richmond medical centers. “Our patients and ‘Age Well, Be Well’ members respond to Seneca’s work; he makes a positive impact on them every day.”

To join the “Age Well, Be Well” club and participate in a wide range of activities including music therapy sessions, area residents age 50 and older can call the Center for Healthy Aging at UH Bedford Medical Center at 440-735-4200.
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