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Music and Health Ireland: Musicians on Call at St. Camillus Hospital, Limerick. Photo credit: Keith Wiseman.
The Musicians-On-Call programme, initiated by Music & Health Ireland and led by Limerick Arts Office in collaboration with Age Friendly Limerick and Healthy Limerick, is designed to bring the power of music into the lives of older adults in healthcare settings. The programme, funded by Creative Ireland’s Creativity in Older Age Fund, aims to enhance personal wellbeing and social care through the transformative benefits of music.
Musicians-On-Call is delivered in partnership with Artistic Partner Music & Health Ireland, HSE Midwest Older Persons Services, Limerick Arts Office, Limerick City and County Council, Clare County Council and Tipperary County Council.
A new evaluation report sheds light on the impact of staff workshops facilitated as part of the Musicians-On-Call programme in 2022. Conducted by independent evaluators, Elaine Howard and Dr Miriam Galvin, the report focuses on the ‘Introduction to Music in Healthcare for Healthcare Staff’, exploring the possibilities of supporting staff to learn creative approaches used by professionally trained healthcare musicians to help residents in engaging purposefully with music in their daily care roles.
Key findings from the evaluation report highlight the significant positive changes experienced by participants. Healthcare staff working in older persons settings reported increased confidence and a sense of validation in their work after attending the workshops. They gained valuable insights into utilising music as a powerful tool to meet the diverse needs of older adults and learned new strategies for fostering personalised engagement.
The evaluation report underscores and emphasises the potential of music to enhance the wellbeing and quality of life of older adults in healthcare settings.
Music & Health Ireland, alongside its project partners, remain committed to advancing the Musicians-On-Call programme and expanding the reach of music in older persons settings. The evaluation findings reinforce their dedication to providing innovative training solutions and advocating for the integration of music to support purposeful engagement with residents.
Read the report HERE.
For more information about Musicians-On-Call and Music & Health Ireland’s programmes, visit musicandhealthireland.ie
