Overview

For many years, the hospice communities have known the value of using an integrated approach between traditional medical care and complimentary alternative therapies. This combined approach allows for a variety of non-traditional approaches such as massage, aromatherapy, and therapeutic music for pain and stress management.

The intensive nature of end-of-life and critical care not only affects the patients and their families, but also the caregivers and staff.

The Harp Foundation began its services by providing bedside visits to patients in the final weeks of life or in eminent transition. The provision of harp music to the terminally ill was found to have a tremendous impact. Often, a patient starting with great pain, discomfort, and fear would experience significant relief and solace after harp music was played.

Consequently, the sound of harp music is frequently requested at gatherings, funerals, and celebration of life and memorial services so that all may feel its effect.

Research has shown that harp music reduces blood pressure, heart rate, and respirations. It can help decrease pain by elevating endorphin levels and promoting relaxation. Harp music is also shown to create considerable psychological and spiritual benefits.

The benefits of therapeutic harp music have translated to the enhanced quality of care for children with special needs or those who are critically ill. This includes infants who were prematurely born.

Community Need and Opportunity

In Arizona , there is an estimated 2,500 hospice patients currently in care and tens of thousands of special needs children in facilities on any given day. The Harp Foundation's goal is to expand its outreach into additional therapeutic settings and community organizations to provide harp music to underserved populations such as

• Shelters for woman and children
• Domestic violence shelters
• Homes for handicapped children
• Care centers for critically ill children and adults.