The power of music in palliative care

1 May 2025

Palliative Care Week shines a light on vital therapy.

In summary:

May 11-17 is National Palliative Care Week.
Jessica McCarthy provides music therapy to older people nearing end of life.
Music has a positive impact on both palliative resident and their loved ones.
For more on O’Neill House, click here.

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“Music therapy can facilitate the expression of emotions associated with the end of life journey, when finding words might be difficult.”
– Jessica McCarthy, Music Therapist.

“Where words fail, music speaks.”

For Music Therapist Jessica McCarthy, this isn’t just a quote, it’s something she’s privileged to witness through her work each day, journeying with people through to the end-of-life.

Next week (11-17 May) is National Palliative Care Week, aimed to increase awareness of the many benefits of palliative care, which can include music therapy.

For-purpose aged and disability services organisation VMCH offers end-of-life and palliative care to aged care residents, and to those residing at its specialised palliative comfort care centre, O’Neill House, in Prahran.

VMCH’s palliative care includes a 27-person Pastoral Care team that offers emotional, social and spiritual support to residents and families. Jessica recently joined the team at O’Neill House, where she provides music therapy sessions to residents.

I was planning on becoming a primary teacher whilst exploring my passion for singing when I heard about music therapy. I then realised I could blend this passion with supporting and empowering those who are vulnerable in the community.”

Jessica says working with older people living with dementia is particularly rewarding.

“The moment when a person with dementia starts singing along to every word, after being adamant that they don’t remember the song – that’s a heartwarming moment that I am so lucky to share in. I love to learn about all the unique musical lives that people have lived, and the dynamic, endlessly fascinating stories behind people’s most or least favourite songs,” Jessica says.

In later life stages, it’s very special to be able to reflect through a person’s life with the music that accompanied them on the journey. Being able to support that sense of identity is a part of the job I cherish.”

A woman holds a guitar and sings to an older lady lying down

VMCH Acting Chief Mission Officer Paul Zammit says VMCH is grateful to have Jessica’s support, with her role made possible through the Melbourne Archbishop’s Charitable Fund.

When people think of the end of life, they often associate it with the medical aspect but nurturing someone’s emotional, spiritual/religious needs is also so important,” Paul says. “Jessica is making such a positive impact in the lives of not only our residents at O’Neill but also their families, during what can be a traumatic and difficult time.”

Jessica agrees, stating meaningful music can support families to process memories and emotions.

“Legacy work, for example, is a very special family-centred practice, supporting a dying person to create original songs or a playlist to give to their families to support them in grief. This is a profound process to be involved in, and I am truly grateful to share such moments with residents and families.”

“Music therapy can also be a strong conduit for spiritual connection and reassurance, evoking feelings of peace. Musical relaxation can also support people with pain and anxiety associated with end of life, facilitating breath work, decreased muscle tension, and distraction from discomfort.”
– Jessica McCarthy, Music Therapist.

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Acknowledgement of Country

We here at VMCH respectfully acknowledge the traditional owners of the lands on which we gather, and we would like to take a moment to honour the fact that we live on the lands of the oldest civilisation in the world. We acknowledge the stories, traditions and wisdom of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and pay our respects to their elders past, present and emerging.