Today we’d like to introduce you to Sara Carr.
Hi Sara, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I am a lifelong musician. I started with a background in classical violin but later expanded to 7 instruments across genres like pop, rock, folk, electronic, and more. I also uncovered a love for psychology when I was 15, and decided that music therapy was the perfect combination of my skillsets in what I wanted to do in life. I discovered my passion for working with seniors in the community when I was in my sophomore year of my music therapy degree. Since then, I have been building a combined-skillset career over multiple opportunities in changing the way we care for our seniors, rethinking how we approach dementia and Alzheimer’s practices and outlooks, and demonstrating how music can have a profound impact in the process. I was inspired by my own music loving grandparents, especially my grandfather, who encouraged me throughout my music therapy journey.
I have worked for a total of 10 locations across middle Georgia and greater Atlanta as a student music therapist at Georgia College & State University, professional traveling music therapist, and activity coordinator. Every location introduced me to a different philosophy of care, way of seeing end of life care, and the work behind the scenes at residential facilities. From this, I’ve developed my own philosophy in elder care: The second a resident is seen as another patient, the compassion is lost. Every resident has lived a life rich in love, learning, and life changing experiences. They have decades of moments that made them into the person they strived to be. Care for our seniors should incorporate the same level of unique opportunities in what they have built; everyone’s passions will be different, and the more we encourage personal growth and care, the more dignity, happiness, and longevity they will have. I’m now taking everything I’ve learned, combining it with the knowledge from my masters in business administration I am currently completing, and am hoping to make a difference in the senior care community at my new position at the Tulip Place Dementia Day Center in Milton.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
One challenge is that the career opportunities for a 24 year old can feel like a battlefield at times. Employers are hesitant to give someone young a chance, and it usually feels like an uphill battle. I have always felt like I am fighting stereotypes about young workers and having to work harder just to prove that I am qualified in what I do.
Another challenge is the unfortunate reality of working in senior care: you care for your clients through the very end. Loss of life is an inevitable part of the job, and though it can be emotionally draining, it’s comforting to remember that you were there to provide them the support they needed, sometimes when no one else was able to. That profound impact can mean the world to someone.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Music therapy, professionally defined, is the clinical, evidence-based practice of using music to achieve individualized goals in cognition, range of motion, academic progression, emotional regulation and support, pain management, memory recall, and more. In my area with older adults, I use music therapy to achieve goals related to memory impairments, prevention of muscle atrophy, and emotional support. Though I have a strong anchor in my bachelors and masters degrees in music therapy, it has been a long journey to expand upon them in the career sector.
One thing that I am most proud of in my music therapy and older adult care career is that I was able to start learning the basics of business and marketing by teaching myself. When I was ready to pick up more work, I researched marketing strategies, advocated for my field of work, educated the public, and practiced pitches like speeches. Though I had a nervous, rocky start in that endeavor, I slowly started to see more success. That inspired me to pursue my masters in business administration, where I now am learning in-depth business procedures and strategies. Now, I am stepping into a larger combination of my skills and I am working more in the business side of elder care, while still being able to provide the music therapy needed.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
The field of music therapy is one that has been changing and adapting continuously since it began with roots in caring for veterans after World War 2. I specialize in music therapy for seniors, but it is suitable for all ages, abilities, diagnoses, settings, etc. Currently, the American Music Therapy Association is striving for national licensure legislation to allow for standardization of practice in every state. With this standardization, this ensures only board certified, licensed music therapists are providing the best care possible. The field has been gradually expanding with new graduates, businesses, and advocates.
As for elder care, the industry is showing only growth. However, the methods of care and personal philosophies are growing and adapting as well, as more places are taking on holistic approaches of care. At The Tulip Place, the job I am just beginning, the holistic approaches are centered around social engagement and community building, healthy living in body and mind, and a staff that has a higher ratio for less burnout and more personalized care. I’m grateful I can work in a welcoming place that aligns with my philosophies. Though not every residential and day center for older adults practices these philosophies, I do see more of a shift in the industry, even if it is slow.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://thetulipplace.com/
Image Credits
No credits, all taken with permission.
