Page 20 - Annual Report 2016-17
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HEALING THROUGH MUSIC IN THE ENGAGE
PROGRAM AT TORONTO WESTERN HOSPITAL
Extended hospital stays can be draining for Musical therapy aims to improve or restore a
patients, especially for the elderly. They are at patient’s mental health through its engaging
increased risk of hospital-acquired delirium and creative process.
and other infections the longer they are in the Prior to her volunteer experience at UHN,
hospital. Patients who suffer from delirium can Rebecca was already active as a young
experience a variety of symptoms such as entrepreneur and ambassador between the
confusion or disorganized thinking, altered creative arts and healthcare industry. In 2013,
levels of consciousness, hallucinations, and she created her own registered charity Arts
responsive behaviours. Healing Hearts and currently runs her own
Rebecca Lenio has been an ENGAGE volunteer team of young artists and students who are
at UHN since December 2016 and has a dedicated to promoting the healing qualities
unique passion for utilizing the arts to give of arts in the healthcare setting.
back to the hospital community. Her singing “It’s a great way to help by bringing these arts
and gentle guitar strums could be heard on the and music activities to people who wouldn’t
9th oor every Monday morning at Toronto necessarily have access but really need them,”
Western Hospital. She delivers musical said Rebecca. “Even just going in to play one or
performances that provide uplifting two songs for a patient and their family can
entertainment to elderly patients. brighten their day and be very uplifting for
“It’s been a short time here (at UHN),” said them.”
Rebecca. “But so far it’s been a great As an ENGAGE volunteer, Rebecca’s musical
experience working with the staff and talents certainly help the program live up its
patients.” name among patients whenever she performs
The ENGAGE program was created to provide in front of them. “People go as far as getting
heartening art and music performances by involved as singing along or requesting certain
volunteers. Research has shown that creative songs,” said Rebecca. “It’s been really great to
music therapy can enhance engagement and see how it can help people.”
mood among patients and alleviate distressed
behaviour.
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