The added special touches

Many dying patients end up in hospital emergency rooms during the last weeks and months of life. In a regular hospital setting, care is provided with a focus on treating the physical symptoms, often overlooking the emotional pain associated with advanced illness and death.

 

At the Teresa Dellar Palliative Care Residence, we address the physical symptoms as well as the emotional, social, intellectual and spiritual needs of the patients and their families. In addition to our physicians and nurses, our interdisciplinary team includes social workers, and art and music therapists who provide professional support and comfort through the patient’s time with us. In addition, many of our volunteers receive special training to provide spiritual care counselling to patients and their families.

The power of music and art

Through the relief, beauty and peacefulness they bring, art and music are important ways in which we support patients and families during their time at the Residence.

Art therapy

Art therapy combines the creative process and psychotherapy, facilitating self-exploration and understanding. Using imagery, colour and shape as part of this creative therapeutic process, thoughts and feelings can be expressed that would otherwise be difficult to articulate.

 
Our art therapist works directly with patients in the art studio or by the bedside, if they are not well enough, as well as with children and other family members. Among the wide range of ways we use art at the Residence is the creation of legacy projects such as hand casting, developing a video, writing a story or a book. When the weather is nice, outdoor activities are also organized. These are just some examples of the ways in which art is used to provide comfort and create lasting memories.

Music therapy

Music therapy can help to lessen feelings of isolation and loneliness by providing opportunities for social interaction and the sharing of personal experiences with others. Using song and musical instruments, music therapy can allow patients to reminisce and to make new memories with their loved ones. Music has also been found to have a significant impact on reducing the perception of physical pain and can facilitate relaxation and alleviate anxiety. 


Our music therapist can offer sessions individually or in a group setting with family, friends or other patients, and at the bedside with portable instruments and sound equipment. The music used, created and shared by a loved one can become an integral part of that person’s legacy and provide a source of comfort to the family.

Everyone’s life deserves to be extraordinary until the end

Everyone’s life deserves to be extraordinary until the end

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