Abstract
This project proposes the combination of two professional roles into one position in
the hospice field. The proposed position would be a music therapist/pastoral care
position. In today’s health care environment, hospice companies must seek to
reduce expenses without cutting needed services for their patients. One way this
could be achieved is to combine positions when feasible. This project explores the
combination of music therapy and pastoral care as part of a holistic treatment for a
person in the last stages of life. A thorough review of current academic literature
was conducted in the areas of music therapy, pastoral care, spirituality, end of life
issues, and the hospice establishment. The project demonstrates the many similar
hospice goals addressed by the two professions and how the attainment of these
goals could be achieved by one qualified professional with a cost savings to the
hospice employer. A job description and a job proposal were created for the
consideration of potential hospice employers. The proposal has been evaluated by a
hospice administrator in the southeastern United States.
