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 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.
This 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.
Musicians-on-Call and this project evaluation was funded by Creative Ireland, Creativity in Older Age Funding.
Author:
Elaine Howard, Miriam Galvin
Year:
2022
Context:
Arts and health, healthcare staff, Older people
Artform:
Music