Violin Graphic Brendoncare, Woodhayes, Nursing Home

It is always difficult starting an activity in a strange care centre, in getting the initial trust and input from Residents, but Sue‘s professional, friendly open manner means that she is easily able to establish communication links with our Residents and quickly picks up on those who are not so able in expressing themselves, remembering their names easily and their interests in music. She has a natural, kindly empathy with older people which is really useful and is able to adapt her language and music skills to fit with differing situations.

Sue’s work is very well prepared and thoughtfully researched. Her first session initial song was a delightful melodic unusual melody -The Bells of Norwich- associated with the anchorite Julian of Norwich – everyone joined in it was so ‘catchy’. She is keen to use music pertinent to individuals, to be person centred, but adapts and delves easily into her own wide repertoire to fill any gaps. She brings with her a really varied group of instruments which produce softer melodic, mellifluous as well as louder sounds: interesting sounds of the sea for reminiscence of beach holidays. Sometimes she introduces a soft toy ‘person – character’ which resonates with those living with dementia, scarves to wave and caress. She is also a good violinist which provides a different and more unusual sound from the more ubiquitous piano. In between the musical selections are stories or poems which Residents often recall as a part of their own lives.

After each session I receive really professional, emailed feedback on content and observations which is really useful. We look forward to Sue’s visits which are different from anything we have had up and until now and encourage us to participate in the universal language of music and its emotional connections.

27 March 2015

Vanessa Langley, Activities/Volunteer/Fund Raising Co-ordinator

Brendoncare Woodhayes, 36-40 St Leonards Road, Exeter

 

Dear Sue,
I wanted to thank you for all you do and bring to the patients in the care of the MDTs on Belvedere and Rougemont.

Franklyn Art Therapies Room

Your contribution to the therapeutic process and engagement is invaluable. It has been amazing to see music therapy become a platform for self-expression, peer connection and recovery.
On Rougemont it has been essential. Your flexibility in offering 1:1 and group sessions meets people where they are. Your compassionate and sincere approach is evident to all. Music therapy on Rougemont ward has helped us build therapeutic bridges which help us to explore and support emotional regulation and mind body awareness.
I have observed in the last two weeks that Music has brought people out of their rooms, reduced self-isolative behaviour, encouraged conversation, allowed safe space to release pain and worry, connect with memory and self. The harp has been of particular benefit to three female patients and those who are auditory sensitive.
Music is a universal language which is essential to all. It is engaged with very differently across the hospital but every session you facilitate is deeply appreciated.
Best wishes,
Maxina    (10 March 2021)

Band 6 OT at Franklyn Hospital, Devon Partnership NHS Trust

 

 

DPT Client and Staff responses to my sessions in elderly inpatient wards (Nov 2021-July 2022)

😊 M (client): ’Felt like the yellow (smiley) face but at times emotional. Didn’t have a very good night’s sleep so it interfered with it, but Sue is brilliant.  Thanks Sue for coming.’  (18 Jan 2022)

😊 St (client): ’Lovely! I had been having a difficult morning and your lovely session made me feel so much better’. (31 Jan 2022)

😊 J (client): ’Music therapy was great. Music reaches the heart and soul. Well done..

😊 B (client): ‘Brilliant! I was crying with happiness because the music really moved me’.(19 April 2022)

😊 C (client):’You are the first person who hasn’t told me off for shouting.  Thank you’.  (4 May 2022) ‘They don’t understand I need to explode sometimes.  I feel I can do that here’. (19 May 2022)

😊 C (client): ‘It’s so exciting to be able to try all these instruments.  I’ve always wanted to play a harp but never have.’ (10 May 2022)

😊 VS (consultant) after playing ‘Twinkle Twinkle’ from a chart on cimbala’; ‘Oh, that’s lovely. It’s so contemplative – I could play it all day’.  (19 April 2022)

😊 DT (client): ’I have just had my second Music Therapy’ with Susan Rivett here at Meadow View.  This form of therapy is so relaxing and freeing from the normal ward atmosphere.  I really hope that it can continue here to help patients in the future.   It is the ability to lose yourself in the variety of instruments and communicate through sound that seems so healing’. (22 June 2022)