Music to Enhance Quality of Life and Healing Process of Long-Term Care Patients at Thumbay University Hospital

The Long-Term Care unit of Thumbay University Hospital, the largest private academic hospital in the region with 350 beds located at Thumbay Medicity, Al Jurf, Ajman, has added music to the services they offer residents, to reduce anxiety and depression among them and to enhance their healing process. As a beginning, music is now played for residents who have specifically asked for it, as they believe it soothes their minds and helps them adjust better to the life at the Long-Term Care facility.

A number of studies in recent times have suggested the use of music for the benefit of patients in long term care. Especially in people with conditions like Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, music has been found to reduce agitation and unhappiness.

The hospital is also making arrangements to enable patients play their favorite music instruments and create their own music, as part of the Long-Term Care unit’s efforts to help the patients pursue their creative interests and to keep them engaged in productive activities. Dr.Manvir Singh Walia, COO of Thumbay University Hospital says that by providing music of the patients’ liking, the hospital has introduced a unique way to support them. “This is in line with our holistic approach to care. We have seen that Long-Term Care residents are comforted by their preferred kind of music, helping them communicate more and better, and keeping them motivated on the path to recovery” he said.

In addition, the hospital has also launched a “happy hours” initiative for its long-term care patients, under which they’ll be taken to the hospital’s Therapeutic Garden every Friday, for an hour of relaxation and being close to nature. Patients will be served free juices and snacks during the happy hour.

A patient in the Long Term Care unit of Thumbay University Hospital, Mr. Lancelot Frank recently experienced a live music session at the hospital, conducted by House of Pianos, Dubai. A senior engineer and  music enthusiast and a UAE resident for over 33 years, Lancelot is fast recuperating at Thumbay University Hospital.

Ms. Oxana Uncu, an award-winning Moldavian pianist and singer/songwriter and Mr. Abner D’Souza, musician and Product Marketing Manager at House of Pianos were part of the team that performed for Lancelot. Commenting on their cooperation with the hospital to make this possible, the Founder/CEO of House of Pianos, Mr. Shavkat Mamajonov said, “House of Pianos has been established to serve the community, be it artists, music lovers, beginners or those who need music as a therapy for treatment. It makes us proud that we can do our part to bring joy to the community with our work.”

The patient’s brother, Mr. Naveen Frank says that listening to music helps Lancelot cope better with his treatment and keeps him cheerful and optimistic. “He has always been fond of music and I’m sure it is giving him a renewed energy as he finds his way to recovery, helping him relax his mind and lift his mood,” he said. Naveen also performed old sentimental songs for his brother on the harmonica and guitar.

Thumbay Group has maintained Thumbay University Hospital   as a COVID-free hospital. The hospital has taken strict measures to ensure the safety and well-being of its patients, visitors and staff, including steps to limit the movement of people and maintain social distancing within its premises.

The 100-bed Long-Term Care facility at Thumbay University Hospital offers a variety of services which meet both the medical and non-medical needs of those who cannot take care of themselves. The Long-Term Care unit places equal emphasis on the quality-of-life and quality-of-care for its patients. It is designed for patients who need extended hospital care or nursing home care, and the facility’s convenient location allows patients to stay in a safe hospital environment and to continue interacting with family and friends. One of the most remarkable features of hospital’s inpatient facilities is the ‘Therapeutic Garden’; an innovative approach to rehabilitation aimed at providing holistic recovery to patients.