How music is her way of helping seniors find connection, purpose and strength

Music therapy is a powerful tool for supporting seniors in long-term care facilities. Gwen Neo, a music therapist at Ren Ci Hospital, uses music to help her patients find connection, purpose, and strength. The therapist carefully observes and tailors sessions to each individual's needs, whether it be supporting emotional well-being, facilitating expression, fostering connections, or achieving functional goals.

For example, she might choose a familiar song to encourage a patient to open up or adapt the session to accommodate a senior's physical abilities. Even non-verbal or bed-bound patients can benefit from music therapy, as the therapist watches for subtle signs of engagement like facial expressions, eye contact, or small movements.

The work can be subtle and may not always produce dramatic results, but for Neo, helping someone feel seen, heard, or connected is progress in itself. Neo's journey to becoming a music therapist began with a childhood interest in music and healthcare, stemming from her experiences with a family member who had chronic health issues.

She pursued a master's degree in music therapy after graduating from the School of the Arts in Singapore, studying subjects like psychology, human development, and therapeutic frameworks. She emphasizes the importance of understanding people, relationships, and the therapeutic process, as well as being flexible and adaptable in a clinical setting.