One of my desires in working as a CNA is to be able to connect with patients on a personal level. When I was teaching, I would take my students and staff members from Widney High School to St. Anne's Retirement Home, and The Carl Bean Aids Center, to sing holiday music, and again, later in the year, for a "Spring Sing". Also, my Special Opportunities group would do a Christmas concert at various sights, such as Robert F. Kennedy Hospital, for mentally ill patients.
At Christmas, we would show up decked out in our red Santa hats. Our musical combo included Michael on the guitar, an occasional drum player, me on the piano, students with jingle bells, and other musical accents. Michael would take over on the piano for the 12 Days of Christmas, and other "fast" songs, since my fingers could not keep up. My spirit was willing, but the flesh was weak. LOL.
I found the residents very receptive to our singing. Some students sang solos and in small group ensembles. I remember observing residents singing along, since long-term memory is often still active in seniors. Many overwhelming times, while I was playing "Silent Night", I glanced over to see patients and residents crying. I believe that the songs impart an emotional connection with the past, family, and community. The singing connection also quite possibly evokes feelings of loneliness, loss, and estrangement from others, especially in those patients who do not get many visitors, and who have lost their social network. With good cheer often comes tears - sadness or joy?
Well, back to my CNA story. I was caring for a resident, by changing her bed and straightening her room. I remembered seeing her in the activity room singing along with a TV presentation of "old-fashioned" songs. I started singing, "Let Me Call You Sweetheart", and she chimed in with a lovely alto voice. Then we sang, "Heart of My Heart". It was so touching to me. Another day, I sang some "Sinatra" songs with 2 residents, "Crooners", I called them, while they were waiting for lunch in the dining room.
Music speaks volumes.
'Til next time,
Stephanie
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