Music Therapy

Music Therapy

The Friedmann-Tuber Program for Cognitive Therapies

Selfhelp has a strong history of music programming and continues to bring unique and high-quality music experiences to the residents for enrichment. Our Friedmann/Tuber Program for Cognitive Therapies is fast becoming one of the crown jewels in the SHH cognitive and cultural programming. The program has been implemented under the leadership and supervision of our partners at Greater Chicago Music Therapy.

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In October, 2021, The Selfhelp Home proudly introduced our Comprehensive Music Therapy Program and Comprehensive Staff Dementia Training, supported by the vision of former board member Craig Tuber and underwritten by a generous grant from The Friedmann Family Foundation. Initially the program was piloted and designed to bring music therapy to residents with dementia, as music has been shown to be highly effective in engaging people with dementia and improving their mood, interactions, and overall mental health. Thanks to an expansion of the grant and the generosity of the donors, the program is being expanded and is offered to every resident that would like to participate. A music background is not required.

The use of music as a tool to work on non-music goals with a professional board-certified music therapist.

Physical: gait training, range of motion, gross/fine motor, coordination
Emotional: coping, support, anxiety, catharsis, self-esteem, depression, loss
Social: interaction, awareness of others, isolation, relationships, belonging
Cognitive: alertness, attention, judgment, memory, executive functioning
Speech: breath support, speech, pragmatics, expression, volume
Psychosocial: exploration, legacy, meaning/purpose, observance, transition
Sensory: integration, tolerance, pain management, auditory stimulation

Music Therapy is offered to residents of The Selfhelp Home in Independent Living, Assisted Living, Skilled Nursing, Respite, and patients undergoing Short-Term Therapy in our Health & Rehabilitation Center.