Mrs. Bush's Personal Care Homes, Inc. in Kunkletown is now offering music therapy to the residents of the home by board certified Music Therapist, Bridget Skipper.

Within the geriatric setting, music therapy interventions are utilized to enhance, maintain, or increase skills related to physical, mental, and social/emotional functioning.The music therapist adapts musical equipment and structures success-oriented activities in order to match the capabilities of each individual, so that prior musical training is not required to participate.The therapist chooses from a myriad of approaches in order to meet treatment goals and objectives. For instance, rhythm band and movement activities can be used for maintaining and improving range of motion, flexibility, strength, and endurance. They can also be used to maintain and improve perceptual motor and fine motor skills.Music can be used as a structure for improving rhythmic walking in individuals with gait disorders.Simple wind instruments can be used to increase respiratory abilities.Music activities can be used for reality orientation programming, with seasonal and topical songs reinforcing concepts of day, year, time, and setting.Movement to music can be utilized in reinforcing spatial and body concepts.Call and response (antiphonal) singing requires attention, auditory discrimination, and immediate recall.Participation in a performing group (i.e.. choir, bell-choir, or small instrumental group) promotes social functioning and feelings of belonging.Through singing, playing, and discussing relevant music, individuals are provided with an outlet for their emotions.Music can serve as a focal point for talking about anger, loss of self-worth, helplessness, and other issues during song writing and lyric analysis. Emotional support is provided by the therapist and peers, and feelings are validated within a group setting.You are invited to learn more about the benefits of music therapy and join in on a free session on Sept. 20 at 10:30 a.m. Feel free to bring a loved one or a friend along.