Covid-19 & Key Music Therapy

MUSIC THERAPY DURING THE PANDEMIC

Key Music Therapy continued to provide music therapy during the Covid-19 pandemic at sites where we were considered essential service workers. In some cases we increased our weekly hours to provide additional music therapy to isolated clients and further support the care team through mealtime assistance and other duties as needed. During this period, we expanded our team of therapists and are ready to meet the needs of your facility.

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INCREASED ISOLATION AND ANXIETY 

Covid-19 increased anxiety and social isolation for residents and patients. Limitations placed on volunteers and visitors placed greater responsibility on staff members to care for the physical and emotional needs of clients. Music therapy is one way to address social isolation, sadness, loneliness, and fear. Music helped clients access and express emotions, even for those who have difficulty speaking due to cognitive impairment, aphasia or language barriers. Music helps connect people with others, whether in small groups or individual sessions. Regular visits with a Music Therapist helps clients understand that they are supported and not alone. The music also impacts staff members and lightens the mood on the nursing unit. Some tears were shed during this difficult time, but there was also laughter and smiles behind the masks: great moments of beauty, joy and connection as people joined together in music. We were there to experience this time with our clients, and to help them live each day to the fullest despite all of the changes, challenges and restrictions.

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PROTOCOLS AND PPE

Music Therapists strictly follow all protocols recommended by the Minister of Health and the facilities where we work. We wear personal protective equipment (PPE) as required, including masks, face shields, gowns and gloves. We regularly wash our hands and sanitize all musical instruments and surfaces we touch. The safety and well-being of our clients is our greatest concern!

COVID-19 VACCINE

On December 16, 2020, the first Key Music Therapy consultant received the

Pfizer-BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine, just three days after the onset of the inoculation campaign in Canada. Health care workers in long-term care settings were the first to receive the vaccine. We continue to strictly adhere to the vaccination protocols of each hospital and long-term care facility where we provide music therapy service.