Maria’s story
When I first met Maria*, she had recently moved to The Highgate care home with advanced cancer and severe mobility limitations.
She also had a long history of bipolar disorder and was experiencing a period of depression. At the time, she rarely allowed carers to help her out of bed and had very little interaction with other residents.
*name changed
“ The one time each week when I could forget about the pain””
Early sessions…
We began weekly music therapy sessions in her room. From the beginning Maria was drawn to songwriting. Together we improvised melodies and developed lyrics based on her thoughts and feelings.
She described these sessions as the one time each week when “I could forget about the pain”. She would ask staff not to disturb us, as we were working.
Songwriting in her room….
Joining the group…
Over time the confidence she found through songwriting led her to consider joining a group music therapy session.
Although it was initially difficult, she gradually began attending regularly and singing with other residents. We also performed songs written during our sessions in her room, which she particularly enjoyed.
Performing one of her songs in the music therapy group
Performing in public…
As the months passed, staff noticed Maria becoming more comfortable being around others in the home. Eventually she even performed at the care home’s summer fair, singing to residents, staff and families.
Her social worker later reflected that the change in Maria he witnessed over the year had been “remarkable”.
Maria performing Summertime
Performing at the summer fair