Music therapist helps patients navigate end-of-life journey on Long Island

Music therapist helps patients navigate end-of-life journey on Long Island 
CBS New York / YouTube; by Jenna DeAngelis; 10/15/24 
The healing power of music is being brought to hospice patients on Long Island, by Yuzuko DeGrottole, LCAT, MT-BC, a board-certified music therapist with MJHS Hospice.  “Everyone has a song that takes them to a special place. “Are you going to sing with me?” [Sings a beautiful Jewish song.] That's the power of music. It moves us. It connects us, and for Sarah Jacobowitz it just makes her feel good. “I like it.  It makes me happy.”  The 95-year-old Holocaust Survivor is proud of her Jewish Heritage which she celebrates in song since she's bedridden.  Yuzuko brings the music to her, even learning to sing in many languages for her patients. Music communicates with you directly to your heart. Music brings up a lot of emotion, with or without words. … Sarah's son who often sits bedside says music therapy hits all the right notes. Sarah is attentive instead of just sleeping all day or just doing nothing. Music brings back memories and it gives her pleasure just to be alive.
Editor's note: Having a board-certified music therapist is significantly more valuable--therapeutically, clinically, meaning-making, mission-oriented--than simply having musicians play music. For more information visit "Facts for Music Therapy in Hospice Care" by American Music Therapy Association and the Certified Board for Music Therapists.