The power of music in speech therapy

At Meadowbank Grove Care Community in Sydney, our team and speech pathology students from the University of Sydney are bringing serious fun to supporting residents with communication.

At our Care Communities, wellbeing starts with putting our residents, and the supportive relationships they enjoy, at the centre of their care. Our many partnerships with universities and tertiary education providers are intrinsic to this, as we participate in diverse research studies and training programs that help build our evidence-based care practices.

If this conjures up images of dusty libraries or hallowed halls, think again. Or better still, visit Meadowbank Grove Care Community to see theories of speech therapy applied in song, dance and celebration.

“Communication is a basic human right,” explains Sydney University’s Dr Geraldine Bricker-Katz. “Our role as speech pathologists is not so much to ‘solve problems’ as it is to help people find ways to stay connected. It’s the essence of being human.”

A community approach

Four days a week, final year students in the Bachelor of Applied Science in Speech Pathology, and mentors including Geraldine, visit Meadowbank Grove. They work with our team on issues impacting residents, such as swallowing, speech difficulties, or simply maintaining communication. Through concepts like ‘chit chat corners’, residents, team and students come together to nurture strong connections. And music is always on the cards.

What a beautiful sound

“Music and dancing have always been part of who I am,” says resident Kathy. “It makes people happy, and I love seeing people happy.”

When we meet Kathy, her empathy and care for others strikes us as clearly as her Lancashire accent. While Kathy has no difficulty speaking, connecting with others can be a challenge - and that’s where speech pathology has been so helpful. After moving to our Care Community, the Blackpool-born registered nurse searched for ways to connect with others that matched her love of people and community.

Working with our team and Sydney University students, Kathy identified music as the basis for a series of events that would help her to relate to others, was meaningful to her, tested and strengthened her communication, and brought joy to other residents. This involved Kathy leading a group of fellow residents to decide on an artist to feature, and organising tribute events that would bring our Care Community together. And legendary singer/songwriter Neil Diamond was key to meeting those goals.

Kathy is a Neil Diamond superfan. She’s met him twice and continues to run several fan groups on social media. An interactive Neil Diamond tribute was the first event in the series, with Kathy leading a keen group of residents and team in a round of trivia before finishing with a selection of the master’s hits.

After spirited debate, the group landed on The Seekers for the next event in the series. And, as we joined a packed house of residents, families, team and students in a rousing rendition of I Am Australian, led by Kathy, the power of human connection truly hit home.

“Kathy’s tributes have worked so well because they’re personal, and they’re based on addressing her needs,” says general manager Kathleen.

“It’s exciting to see the anticipation building across our Care Community for each tribute, and it’s been wonderful to see Kathy working together with our residents to achieve goals that are meaningful to her and bring so much happiness to others.”