Musical Creation strikes the right chord for Wascana Rehabilitation Care residents
When residents at Wascana Rehabilitation Centre gather for Musical Creations, they are not just participating in a program. They are writing, composing and preparing to perform in front of an audience.
"I have always wanted to offer a large-scale creative project as a means of maximising residents' health benefits cognitively, socially and mentally, not to mention further developing creativity," said Amanda Schenstead, Music Therapist, Saskatchewan Health Authority.
Musical Creations was developed and is facilitated by Schenstead as a way to give extended care residents something meaningful to work toward. Residents recently performed Copy Cat, an original musical and their second production to date.
The process is deeply collaborative. Schenstead guides residents through script and song writing, asking questions that spark creativity, and giving participants as much agency as possible. Lyrics come from the residents. Melodies are hummed and shaped together before Schenstead builds the chords around them.
The outcomes have been meaningful. Residents have reported a heightened sense of purpose, improved motivation and a better overall quality of life. Schenstead has also noticed enhanced creative thinking and attention to detail among participants.
The Musical Creations program reflects the Saskatchewan Health Authority's CARES values of compassion, accountability, respect, equity and safety, a reminder that person-centred care takes many forms. At Wascana Rehabilitation Centre, sometimes it looks like a standing ovation.
