I trained as a hospice volunteer some years ago (this hospice is not into killing people) but the training took 3 months at least, I think I had to go once or twice a week, and most all of it was legal claptrap. Then I couldn’t even bring my guitar to play to people (which generally they love) because, get this:
I did not have a degree in Music Thanatology. I even think it requires an M.A. after a regular 4 year degree! It’s making music in minor keys, with chords, and no actual words, only eerie vocalizations. Crazy! I was ready to offer to go play to any hospice patient anywhere in the county, a few times a week. No go. Too much freaking red tape!
In the past I used to go to nursing homes and play, and so many elderly loved it. I had an old lady with tears in her eyes tell me she hadn’t heard such beautiful music since her Momma and Uncle used to play in the kitchen when she was a girl! I’ve had old people hug me with tears in their eyes. But since now I don’t have a degree in “Eerie Scary Music” I can’t play to hospice patients!
I’m shocked. It appears that hospices have different requirements than hospitals. That’s really a shame.