That quote is from a caregiver working in long-term care, after hearing one of our Concerts in Care concerts. Her words made our hearts happy, too!
Concerts in Care Ontario and the Sheridan Centre for Elder Research have initial results from our 3-year study which included presenting concerts, observations, surveys, and interviewing health care staff and artists. Participants included the seniors, PSWs, recreation staff, AND the maintenance and kitchen staff, leadership members, family and friend visitors, and caregivers.
Our quest was to discover whether or not live professional music had positive effects on front-line healthcare staff in Long-Term Care facilities. The answer is YES. Here is the wordcloud from their one-word descriptors:
And a few statistics:
- 68% positively affected their well-being, with responses indicating that they found the concerts relaxing, that they provided a positive and calm energy to the residents, they made the staff feel happy and energized, lifted their mood, brought them comfort, and provided respite
- “It was a nice ‘break’ to sit back, watch our residents enjoy the experience which made me feel positive and relaxed” (P29)
- 73% aware of improved job satisfaction, with responses indicating that team members appreciate the workplace culture that allows for these concerts to take place, that they enjoy connecting with residents and with colleagues through the concerts, and makes them feel more positive and motivated.
- “brings light in from the outside, opens opportunities for residents and myself to engage in something I normally would not participate in.” (PTM20)
- 61% of respondents reported that the CiCO program had affected their relationship with residents in their care
- “Get to sit with people and make eye contact while singing familiar songs with them. Music brings people closer” (PTM142)
AND, the Artists love it too: “I leave feeling like what I do matters.” (PA30)
- 89% increased their job satisfaction, with responses demonstrating the opportunity to connect with new and unique audiences, expand their repertoire, earn an income, and enrich their music-making experience.
- “It adds lots of variety and depth to my music-making activities as a professional pianist and conductor.” (PA42
- Favourite things about performing for CiCO: witnessing joy/enjoyment in others, connecting with residents and staff, and providing an entertaining experience.
- “I like seeing the residents’ reactions to the music, even though their reactions can only be subtle. Sometimes it feels like we’re giving the staff a break, which is nice.” (PA30)
- “I enjoy knowing that for some residents, Concerts in Care may be the highlight of their day.” (PA39)
Talk about heartwarming! Here is the 5-minute “mini-documentary” we filmed, capturing highlights from all participants and Dr. Kate Dupuis from Sheridan.