Music therapy students help Elant at Newburgh with rehabilitation

Newburgh - Two music therapy students, Qi Yang and Sisi Lin, enrolled in the SUNY New Paltz Graduate Music Therapy program, have given residents at Elant at Newburgh a valuable distraction while undergoing rehabilitation therapy. Music therapy is often used in nursing home settings to provide comfort to residents by reducing anxiety and fear, provide social support, physical mobility and cognitive productivity. The internship program consists of conducting music therapy sessions at Elant at Newburgh for two days per week specifically for the campus’ residents and patients who need rehabilitation therapy. Both students are residents of China. They sang and played the guitar, tambourine and drums. Elant at Newburgh will continue to work with the Music Therapy program to provide internship opportunities for students interested in working with older adults.