ACTIVITY THERAPY MUSIC PROGRAM
This program supports small configurations of musicians for intimate performances. Live music has been shown to alleviate anxiety, fear, depression and isolation associated with medical illness and disability. Patient referrals, from various units, are made by medical, nursing and multi-disciplinary team members to the Activity Therapy Director, who assigns the performers to specific units and referred patients. Fifty patients and one hundred family members were able to listen to 38 hours of music sessions, creating a soothing atmosphere in a sometimes disruptive hospital environment.
Activities Therapy in Psychiatry
Three different areas are supported for Activities Therapy in Psychiatry, providing activities for patients which relieve stress and improve the quality of patient downtime:
(1) Recreation and Sensory supplies for therapeutic group programming and individual patients such as journaling materials, stress balls, aromatherapy, etc. DVDs for educational and inspirational films are also supplied.
(2) Special events, such as holiday and cultural occasions are funded for dance performances, picnics, Black History Month, Latino Heritage Month, festive decorations, etc. These activities greatly enhance the patient’s treatment and well-being.
(3) Emergency funds for replacing broken equipment like the ping pong table, etc.
All nine Adult Inpatient Psychiatry Units received replacement games and supplies, and 2,100 therapy sessions helped 1,450 patients enjoy special activities like holiday celebrations and summer picnics.