1. Music Therapy Referral Criteria
Music therapy can have many benefits for patients in hospice care. While most patients could
benefit from music interventions, here are some criteria for patients who would be best served by
music therapy services and brief case study examples:
 Patients experiencing a significant amount of pain, agitation, or discomfort
D. was a 55-year-old woman with stage IV lung cancer. She would often cry out or
present extremely restless, fidgety movements. Music therapy was used to guide D.
through music-assisted relaxation through use of some of her favorite songs. Within a few
minutes, her restless movements ceased and her breathing became more steady and in-
sync with the music.
 Patients and/or their families who demonstrate a significant emotional or grief
response to the patient’s illness
K. was a 72-year-old man in the last stages of the dying process. His wife, N., was
present in the room and was incredibly distraught at her husband’s progressed illness,
continuing to make comments about her worry and anxiety about his inevitable passing.
Music therapy assisted N. and K. in reminiscing about their life together and in
processing their complex emotions about death. After K. passed away, music therapy
provided further support for N. and her family during the grieving process through the
use of songs that had been previously shared between N. and K.
 Patients with limited communication opportunities or cognitive deficiencies
B. is an 84-year-old woman with late stage dementia. Although she is unable to verbally
communicate, she connects with her music therapist by humming along while the
therapist sings. During these music times, G. appears to be more alert, making eye-
contact with the therapist, reaching out for the therapist’s hand, and exhibiting a decrease
in agitated behaviors.
 Patients with limited social interactions or familial support
J. was a 69-year-old man with stage IV lung cancer. He did not have any known family
and stayed isolated in his room at a residential care facility. Music therapy services were

2. provided to J., in which he chose songs that were significant to him and then shared those
songs and memories with staff as a way of connecting with others and sharing his legacy.
 Patients who are seeking to leave a specific legacy for others to remember
B. was a 73-year-old female with advanced kidney failure. She sought a way to write
down her memories so that she could share them with her daughter, who would be
visiting later in the week. The music therapist assisted B. in a fill-in-the-blank
songwriting activity in which B. shared memories from her life and the values she held
most dear. The music therapist recorded the song and gave a CD to B. so that she could
then share her song with her daughter.
 Patients who are withdrawn or do not respond to other hospice services
M. is an 85-year-old female with stage IV cancer. She spends most of her days isolated in
her room, refusing services from the facility or chances to interact with others. Her music
therapist, however, is welcomed in the room to share conversation and provide musical
entertainment through song. Although M. still withdraws, she enjoys various genres of
music and allows music visits to occur weekly.
 Patients who have shown a significant response or love for music
K. was a 37-year-old with advanced heart failure. When she was in college, she had
participated in choir and had played piano since her childhood. Because of her strong
musical background, K. was very responsive to music interventions and was able to not
only connect with the music she once loved, but was also able to use her music as an
emotional outlet and a distraction from her physical pain.
If you have any questions, or would like to refer a patient to music therapy
services, please contact Katie at:
(405)613-4973, or via email at:
katiekyzer@gmail.com