As part of our unique Twilight Family Model of Care , we offer Music Therapy and Art Therapy sessions in all our homes, to all our residents.
About Music Therapy :
Music therapy, as a profession, originated in the 1950s to help relieve the physical and emotional trauma experienced by war veterans. The demand for trained professionals steadily grew and, as a result, the Australian Music Therapy Association (AMTA) was established in 1975.
AMTA defines music therapy as “a research-based practice and profession in which music is used to actively support people as they strive to improve their health, functioning and wellbeing”.
Music therapy is beneficial for people with a wide range of health concerns, including people living with dementia and brain injuries.
It is a diverse practice encompassing a variety of techniques but it is based on two fundamental methods. The receptive method involves listening, while the active method focuses on playing musical instruments.
Music therapists work with people of any age, ability, culture, and background. They will set specific objectives and implement a tailored plan to help individuals achieve their goals.
Our Twilight Music Therapist Tamia Hawkins commenced her program in December 2023.
About Art Therapy: Art Therapy uses creative, art-based processes as part of therapeutic practice with clients to facilitate self-expression, communication, self-awareness and personal development.
Art Therapists work within the mental health, drug and alcohol, aged care, sexual assault and all other human services professions. The practice of Art Therapy is used across the age spectrum, and is beneficial for a wide range of people including older people and people living with dementia. Our Qualified Art Therapy team consists of Art Therapist Manager Joanne Lee and new recruit as of late 2024 Khatijah Jamaluddin, as well as a number of dedicated volunteers who work across all our homes to bring this fulfilling practice to our residents.
Some of the outcomes of Music and Art Therapy include:
– Reductions in stress and anxiety
– Increases in mood and motivation
– Reduced levels of depression
– Maintaining cognitive functions and motor skills
– Ability to explore self-expression and personal identity
– Increases in confidence and self-esteem
– Improvements in communication and verbal skills
– Promotes socialising and social skills in group settings.
Some of our residents have previous connections to music and art, some are accomplished musicians and artists, however there are many who have expressed joy and find new fulfilment in their lives through one or both of these creative outlets. We often hear the story ” I was told I was no good at art/music as a kid , so I gave up, but this has changed my whole outlook on life.”
Twilight holds an annual art exhibition which shows and sells artworks created by residents over the past 12 months , connecting our community with the wider public, providing a showcase for these dedicated creatives , and raising funds to expand the Art Therapy program.
A number of special and unique experiences are emerging as a result of the organic engagement of our Art and Music Therapy teams, rhythmic knitting is one of these innovative sessions, and paint drumming is another, with more collaborations between art and music therapy on the horizon. There’s no limit to the exciting, motivating and enjoyable moments our residents can become involved in within these wonderful modalities! Twilight is proud to offer such life-enhancing opportunities to our residents, as just one of the many ways we support our Twilight Family to live lives filled with joy and fulfilment.
