Volunteer Spotlight: Rachel – Bringing Comfort and Joy Through Viola
How One Musician Is Transforming Moments for Our Memory Care Patients
Every so often, a volunteer arrives who changes the atmosphere the moment they walk into a room. Their presence softens the air, calms the noise, and brings a sense of connection that words alone can’t offer. For Holly’s Haven and our partnering memory care facilities, that person is Rachel – a gifted viola player whose music has become a comforting thread in the lives of our patients.
Rachel’s music isn’t just something people hear. It’s something they feel. And for patients living with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, that kind of emotional connection is powerful.
How Rachel Found Her Way to Hospice Volunteering
Music has been woven into Rachel’s life since childhood. She has played the viola for decades, performing with local symphonies and orchestras whenever needed. But her heart for serving others through music blossomed through her church, where she first encountered the idea of playing for those nearing the end of life.
That simple spark turned into something beautiful – an offering of comfort, peace, joy, and presence.
Today, Rachel volunteers a couple of times a month, bringing her viola into memory care facilities where she plays everything from classical pieces to opera, Christmas favorites, hymns, and spontaneous patient requests.
In Her Own Words
“I decided to join hospice care as a volunteer in honor of my grandmother who was a devout Catholic, a musician, and also was in hospice care at the end of her life. I also wanted to make a difference in the world by offering my time and talent to those who could use some light and joy in a time of difficulty.
A little over 6 years ago, my 94 year old grandmother was diagnosed with terminal liver cancer, because of her age and the severity of the disease, she as well as the rest of her immediate family decided it was best to accept the circumstances, and make her feel as comfortable as possible, offering some dignity to an unfortunate situation. They opted for at home care, which gave her familiar surroundings for all of us to say our final goodbyes. I was particularly touched when some of her former piano students stopped by to see her, showing how much her love and influence extended beyond just our family. In fact, she would refer to herself as “everyone’s Lola (Filipino word for grandmother)”. When her sisters in the Philippines called her via FaceTime, they sang the song “You’ll Never Know.” At that moment, my sister and I noticed that she sat up and seemed more responsive. We were also moved to tears as we listened to their singing. It’s amazing the powerful impact music has on us, even in the most challenging moments.
I experienced these moments a couple times in the past when I have played for patients who I knew in the hospital. The first time was 14 years ago, when I found out a former student of mine, who was 13 years old, was at Peyton Manning’s Children’s Hospital after complications with his surgery of removing an ependymoma that left him in a vegetative state. Initially, after work, I stopped by to say hello and see how he was doing, as well as the rest of his family. The next day, I brought my viola with me to play some music hoping that it could at least provide a little entertainment and comfort while they were there. His mom said that she will always remember that moment. (Side note: he is alive and well, graduated from Bellarmine University.)
11 years ago, a coworker of mine suffered a heart attack the day before Christmas Eve. We decided to stop by St. Vincent’s hospital to see how he was doing, and I brought my instrument with me to play some Christmas carols. My boss said that he was the only patient who had his own concert, and it also provided some joy as he was recovering.
After attending mass at St. Alphonsus Liguori in Zionsville almost a month ago, I noticed an advertisement in the bulletin for Anchors of Hope Hospice looking for volunteers to help including anyone who can play a musical instrument. I was job searching at the time and had no offers, so I decided that I could at least offer my time and talent in service of others, since it is something I have done before. I got in touch with Ashley, and afterwards filled out the paperwork to become a volunteer.
Last weekend, I had the chance to play at Grandbrook Memory Care of Zionsville. I tried to gather some solo music to play because I wasn’t sure what to have ready. I began with some classical music. When I finished one of the pieces, one of the nurses (I think or someone who works there) suggested to play some Christmas music. So I began to play some of the familiar ones I knew from memory. I really enjoyed it because it was fun to hear the residents sing along and even got to play some of their requests. I really enjoyed the interaction I had with the audience, and also giving back to my community as a way to show I care and want to provide something that brings joy and comfort. I look forward to returning to to play there and even some other centers.”
The Magic of Music in Dementia Care
When Rachel begins to play, something extraordinary happens.
Even patients who don’t speak or who have difficulty engaging light up in ways words can’t explain.
We see:
- Eyes closing and soft smiles forming, as if they’re being transported to another time.
- Hands tapping gently on wheelchairs and blankets, muscle memory responding to rhythm.
- Familiar voices singing along, especially to long-loved songs like hymns or holiday classics.
- Soft humming, a universal language of connection.
- Relaxed body posture, music easing restlessness or anxiety.
- Peaceful naps, often the deepest rest they’ve had all day.
And sometimes, the response is something tender and unforgettable.
One retired nurse, often quiet and distant due to her dementia, was moved to tears while Rachel played Somewhere Over the Rainbow. As the notes filled the room, she whispered memories from her childhood. Tears rolled down her cheeks – a reminder that music can unlock moments thought to be long lost.
These are moments you cannot stage or plan. They’re pure. Human. Sacred.
She Plays Every Request – Even the Ones She Doesn’t Know
One of Rachel’s favorite parts of volunteering is letting patients choose the music. She invites them to name a song or composer – and when she doesn’t know it, she doesn’t skip a beat.
She improvises.
She adapts.
She plays something inspired by the request just to make them smile.
That kind of generosity is rare.
That kind of heart is priceless.
Her personal favorite to perform? White Christmas. It’s a song that holds special meaning for her family, and a treasured request from her mom. When she plays it for patients, it fills the room with warmth and nostalgia.
Music Transforms Memory Care Communities
When Rachel enters a building with her viola case in hand, the whole environment shifts.
Activities coordinators light up – “Is she here today?”
Staff peek around corners to listen.
Nurses pause and smile.
And patients? Their faces brighten as soon as the bow touches the strings.
Many staff members have shared their disbelief at how talented she is and how deeply patients respond to her presence. Her playing doesn’t feel like a performance – it feels like a gift.
Rachel often plays for groups of patients, filling common areas with gentle, familiar melodies that foster connection among residents. Even patients who usually withdraw or avoid activities often gather near the sound of her music.
Music reaches places that memory loss cannot touch.
What Makes Rachel Special
Rachel is not just talented – she is warm, fun, and incredibly generous with her time.
Her day job as a preschool teacher means she spends her weekdays shaping young hearts, and her free time lifting up older ones.
She treats every patient with respect, compassion, and joy.
She brings humor when it’s needed, gentleness when it’s comforting, and artistry that touches every person in the room.
She is, in every sense, a bright light.
The Science Behind the Smiles
Research shows that music:
- stimulates multiple areas of the brain
- evokes memories tied to emotions
- reduces anxiety and agitation
- improves mood and communication
- encourages movement and engagement
- supports relaxation and sleep
- provides connection when language is lost
For dementia and Alzheimer’s patients, music can feel like a key that unlocks a door, a moment of clarity, a spark of joy, or a sense of familiarity.
What Rachel provides isn’t entertainment.
It’s healing.
It’s grounding.
It’s comfort.
It’s connection.
And it matters more than she knows.
A Heartfelt Thank You
Rachel, thank you for sharing your gifts, your time, and your compassion with our patients.
Your music brings light, comfort, and joy to places where it is needed most. Your presence is a blessing, and Holly’s Haven is honored to have you as part of our volunteer family.
Are You a Musician – or a Volunteer with a Heart to Give?
You don’t need to be a concert musician to make a difference.
You don’t need medical experience.
You don’t even need to know the “right” words.
You just need a compassionate heart and a willingness to show up.
Whether you:
- play an instrument
- love to sing
- enjoy reading aloud
- like to sit and chat
- enjoy writing letters
- help with activities
- have a therapy pet
- or simply love people…
There is a place for you here.
Become a hospice volunteer with us. Your presence might be exactly what someone needs today.