As part of our hospice services, Hospicare offers patients therapeutic music-specifically therapeutic harp-to help them cope with end-of-life physical and emotional distress.

Therapeutic music is "an art based on the science of sound," according to the National Standards Board for Therapeutic Musicians. "It is live acoustic music, played or sung, specifically tailored to the patient's immediate need, which brings music's intrinsic healing value to the bedside of the ailing."

As a therapeutic harpist, I have seen just how much comfort this form of complementary medicine can bring to patients and their families. Here are some interesting facts about therapeutic harp music.

• Therapeutic music in general is not a performance or entertainment. Therapeutic musicians are trained to detect the patient's changing needs and adapt the music at a moment's notice.  


• The soothing sounds of the harp act upon a patient's para-sympathetic nervous system, which can lower heart rate, breathing rate, blood pressure and cortisol levels. (Cortisol is a stress agent.) Therapeutic harp can also increase immune response. This, in turn, promotes rest and calmness and eases physical symptoms such as pain, restlessness, agitation, sleeplessness and labored breathing.

To read more, click here. 

Ithaca's Death Café, on December 9, was hosted and facilitated by community members Angela Mennitto, Tricia Conroy and Michele Hochstetter. The event was full before it was even advertised, so they expanded to accommodate more people and then broke into three groups to allow more intimate sharing. The event, was a great hit, with many participants saying they would like to continue the conversations they started that evening.

"This is a wonderful event full of vibrant thoughts on an often 'sullen' matter. Laughter created an open and engaging environment," said one participant.

Another added: "Who knew death could be such fun!"

The next Death Café, will be Saturday, January 18, in the afternoon. The January event is almost full, but if you're interested, contact Angela at deathcafeithaca@gmail.com. There will also be Cafes scheduled in February and March.

To learn more about the Death Café model click here.