The nineteenth-century Danish author Hans Christian Andersen observed that ‘Where words fail, music speaks.’
For music therapist Jessica McCarthy, this isn’t just a pithy quote; it’s something she’s privileged to witness through her work each day, journeying with people through to the end of life.
Next week (11–17 May) is National Palliative Care Week, aimed to increase awareness of the many benefits of palliative care, which can include music therapy.
Catholic aged and disability services organisation VMCH offers end-of-life and palliative care to aged-care residents, and to those residing at its specialised palliative comfort care centre, O’Neill House, in Prahran.
It’s very special to be able to reflect on a person’s life with the music that accompanied them on the journey. Being able to support that sense of identity is a part of the job I cherish.’
VMCH’s palliative care includes a 27-person pastoral care team that offers emotional, social and spiritual support to residents and families. Jessica recently joined the team at O’Neill House, where she provides music therapy sessions to residents.
Jessica was planning on becoming a primary teacher while exploring her passion for singing when she heard about music therapy. ‘I then realised I could blend this passion with supporting and empowering those who are vulnerable in the community,’ she says.
Jessica finds working with older people living with dementia particularly rewarding.
‘The moment when a person with dementia starts singing along to every word, after being adamant that they don’t remember the song—that’s a heartwarming moment that I am so lucky to share in. I love to learn about all the unique musical lives that people have lived, and the dynamic, endlessly fascinating stories behind people’s most or least favourite songs,’ Jessica says.
‘In later life stages, it’s very special to be able to reflect on a person’s life with the music that accompanied them on the journey. Being able to support that sense of identity is a part of the job I cherish.’
Supporting a dying person to create original songs or a playlist to give to their families to support them in grief ... is a profound process to be involved in.
VMCH Acting Chief Mission Officer Paul Zammit says VMCH is grateful to have Jessica’s support, pointing out that her role is made possible through the Archbishop’s Charitable Fund.
‘When people think of the end of life, they often associate it with the medical aspect, but nurturing someone’s emotional, spiritual/religious needs is also so important,’ Paul says. ‘Jessica is making such a positive impact in the lives of not only our residents at O’Neill but also their families, during what can be a traumatic and difficult time.’
Jessica agrees, explaining that meaningful music can support families to process memories and emotions.
‘Legacy work, for example, is a very special family-centred practice, supporting a dying person to create original songs or a playlist to give to their families to support them in grief. This is a profound process to be involved in, and I am truly grateful to share such moments with residents and families.’
Banner image: Music therapist Jessica McCarthy sings to O’Neill resident Valerie. (Photo courtesy of VMCH.)
