As part of Cabrini’s holistic approach to healthcare, we offer a range of complimentary therapies at our various sites. A favourite of our Palliative and Supportive Care patients is the Cabrini Music Therapy Program, which will now be offered at Cabrini Prahran and through our Cabrini Palliative Homecare service.
Music therapy is a research-based practice involving the use of musical instruments and recorded music. By listening to or participating in music, patients find that their physiological, psychological, social and spiritual distress is alleviated and they can better manage anxiety, frustration and stress. Other benefits include regulating mood and energy levels, increasing motivation and regulating heart rate, breathing and blood pressure.
“Music Therapy is a responsive, adaptive practice, driven by the wants and needs of the patient” says Cabrini Music Therapist Caitlin Bull, ‘Some patients may choose to take a passive role in the session, and elect to simply listen to their preferred music. Other patients may want to take a more active role, and sing or play songs along with me”. Cabrini Music Therapy sessions are held either in person or via tele-health sessions with the use of computers, tablets and smartphones.
Cabrini Music Therapy has now been able to expand its services to the community thanks to the generous bequest of Ms Veronica Choo Neo Png. “Veronica’s gift in her Will has enabled Cabrini to bring the Cabrini Palliative and Supportive Care Creative Arts Program in Memory of Veronica Choo Neo Png (including music and art therapy) to patients for the next four years” says Cabrini Director of Palliative Medicine Assistant Professor Natasha Michael, “Veronica was a very positive young woman who wanted to make a difference to the lives of others once she had passed. She was fighting pancreatic cancer and found great comfort and joy in music therapy while in palliative care. She wanted to ensure others could also feel this healing touch for years to come. We are so grateful to Veronica and other Cabrini bequestors who help to make opportunities like this a possibility for our patients”.
You can read more about Veronica’s legacy by clicking here.
To read more stories about Cabrini’s generous bequestors visit cabrinifoundation.com.au/stories/bequestors. To discuss leaving a gift in your Will to Cabrini, please contact the Foundation Team on 9508 1380 or foundation@cabrini.com.au.