Briarcliff Manor – June 28, 2010 - On a recent sunny day in June, the music and lyrics of the Beatles song “Can’t Buy Me Love” made all the difference in the world to Jonathan Grad, a 68-year old resident of Elant at Brandywine.  Jonathan was being visited by Lisa Wohlmuth, Elant’s certified music therapist, who visits with residents of the nursing home to provide a music therapy program known as Heart Song.

Heart Song, an individualized music therapy program, couples music and song with guided imagery to help residents manage stress, alleviate pain and anxiety, reduce depression, and enhance memories. The program is also beneficial in providing comfort to those with terminal illnesses or those on palliative care. Several studies have been completed which have demonstrated that music, coupled with guided imagery can reduce the frequency and severity of depression, anxiety and pain in some people.

Lisa Wohlmuth first introduced Heart Song to the Elant organization in 2007 while she was interning at the Elant at Fishkill campus following the completion of her master’s degree in music therapy from SUNY New Paltz.  She was later hired full-time by Elant and has been providing the program to residents at several of the organization’s Dutchess and Orange county campuses.  In 2010, due to the program’s success, Heart Song was introduced to the residents at Elant at Brandywine.

“I have always enjoyed working with the elderly” said Lisa Wohlmuth. “I know caring for seniors and music is in my heart. This is why we have named the program Heart Song”.

Jonathan Grad, a twenty-year resident of Elant at Brandywine, came to the non-profit nursing home and rehabilitation center in Briarcliff Manor after surviving an automobile accident which left him paralyzed below the waist and cognitively impaired.  Although his smile is never-ending, Jonathan has limited verbal capability and rarely speaks.  However, on this particular day, that all changed.  While Lisa sang and strummed her guitar Jonathan completed lyrics to the songs and called out the names of Paul, John, George and Ringo. “The music therapy session was wondrous and miraculous.  I heard Jonathan speak with my own ears” said Ellen Glass, Elant at Brandywine unit nurse manager. “I am excited that this program will be available for him and help to draw him out further”.

Wohlmuth uses a variety of instruments during her personalized sessions including the guitar, omnichord, flute, Celtic harp and mini-keyboard. She often encourages residents to also play an instrument and sing along. Her repertoire of songs includes a vast range of styles including John Denver, The Beatles and traditional Irish folk songs. Since Heart Song is an individualized program, Wohlmuth often makes her music selections based on each resident’s preferences or suggestions she receives from family members.

‘We are thrilled that Lisa has such a special talent and gift that she has been able share with our residents” said Maura Brennan, administrator of Elant at Brandywine. “Dealing with pain and the difficulties associated with the end of life is very challenging. Heart Song provides our residents comfort and helps them to forget about the pain for a while’.

Heart Song was selected to receive a 2010 Innovative Practice Award from the New York State Health Facilities Association (NYSHFA).  Lisa Wohlmuth accepted the award during the association’s annual convention held in Lake Placid, June 20-23.