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‘Music by the Bedside’ expands to PBMC, offering patients — and their families — comfort and emotional support

Bob Marley once said, “One good thing about music is, when it hits you, you feel no pain.”

An innovative program by East End Arts called “Music by the Bedside” takes advantage of music’s therapeutic power by bringing one-on-one live music performances to the bedside of patients in palliative and critical care. Already in existence at Peconic Landing, the program is expanding to include Peconic Bay Medical Center.

Music by the Bedside began in  October 2015 at Peconic Landing in Greenport, and less than a year after launch, the program received the 2016 Innovation of the Year Award by LeadingAge New York in August 2016.

“We are so happy that in less than a year of initiating the program, Music by the Bedside has had such a significant impact on individuals, both residents and the music students and faculty participants involved,” said Diane Giardi, Education Director at East End Arts. “This one-on-one personal sharing of music by the bedside has added so much to the quality of life near the end of life. We are pleased that the program has been recognized in this way.”

These special one-on-one sessions are provided by EEA volunteer student and faculty members who visit Peconic Bay Medical Center once a month for approximately one hour. The program began on Friday, June 3, 2016, featuring East End Arts School students, now alumni, Rebecca and Grace Lukachinski, twin sister vocalists who harmonize beautifully together.

While not medical caregivers, these East End Arts volunteers provide supportive comfort treatment. When Peconic Bay Medical Center’s caregivers deem it beneficial, the visiting musician will meet patients by the bedside and offer a song, a musical piece from their own repertoire, or even take a special request. These musicians will help provide patients with comfort, emotional support, presence, and a connection that only music can provide.

The “Music by the Bedside” program at Peconic Bay Medical Center is a collaboration between East End Arts musicians and the palliative care and skilled nursing center at PBMC. End of life care has many facets, and these musicians will help to foster feelings of peace and comfort through the power of music. Whether a peaceful song, a quiet flute solo, or the sound of a violin – the sound of music can help patients to connect with the soul, awaken memories, and enhance their quality of life.

“The introduction of East End Arts “Music by the Bedside” program for our patients has been very well received,” PBMC palliative care nursing coordinator Donna Post said.  “Music has enriched the services we can offer patients who are facing serious medical conditions. Music provides a diversion from long hospital days, and the unfavorable symptoms that patients may experience. Regardless of language or physical condition, music really is universal. It provides comfort, relaxation, and can provoke happy memories.”

Post related a touching story about how the program helped an elderly patient who was listening to a vocal student. “The patient said to me she wished she could get up and dance” but her physical condition did not allow it. “I stood at the end of the bed and told her she could tap her feet against my palms. For a short period, her eyes closed, she tapped her feet and was lost in her memories of long ago days. This patient has since passed, but this program brought such joy to her failing body – it was a gift.”

East End Arts education director Diane Giardi said East End Arts looks forward to continuing to expand the program to different healthcare centers on the East End. “The program has proven to be an enriching experience for the receiver and the musicians themselves.”

John Kowalchyk, a volunteer musician concurs. “My experience drumming and sounding tuning forks for a patient and her family through East End Arts “Music by the Bedside” program was wonderful, ” he said. “The hospital staff noted it was the first time she saw the patient’s [adult] son smiling. He really enjoyed playing the drum with me. I was lifted as I witnessed the relief the two visitors felt during our session. For that short time, they broke free from their worries and sadness. What they don’t know is how much joy I felt for being with them.”

Musicians who are interested in finding out more about this program and how they might volunteer can contact Diane Giardi, East End Arts Education Director, or call 631-369-2171.

Click here for more information about this program.

Source: Press release issued by East End Arts dated September 21, 2016.