Karen Melita, Music Therapist with NJHealth Hospice and Palliative Care, uses the power of music to brighten days, spark memories, and lift spirits for residents receiving hospice care. Whether it's a favorite tune from years gone by, a familiar hymn, or a lively singalong, music has a remarkable way of reaching people in ways words sometimes cannot.

Tom Misner enjoys pop music and popsicle with NJHealth Music Therapist Karen Melita and is private caregiver Wilson. A cool time was had by all!! Tom Misner of Margate enjoys the simple pleasures in life—great music, good company, and a cool treat on a warm day. Recently, Tom shared all three with his private caregiver, Wilson, and NJHealth Music Therapist Karen Melita, as they spent time together enjoying pop music… and popsicles! At NJHealth Hospice and Palliative Care, m

Music makes the world go round so how fitting that on this World Music Therapy Week we shine a spotlight on the impact of music therapy makes to our patients and families. World Music Therapy Week (April 10 to 15) is an annual international initiative led by the World Federation of Music Therapy to raise awareness about the transformative power of music therapy in promoting health, well-being, and social connection. The 2026 theme, Connecting Borders , emphasizes how music t

Making Music Magic Music is magical. It has a way of making us feel better. Those favorite songs will bring a smile to our faces as we sing along or tap our toes. For hospice patients, music therapy is pure gold, especially if the patient is like 93-year-old Carole Ford of Mays Landing. A former church organist, making music brightens her mood. "She has a musical ear," said Karen Melita, music therapist for NJHealth Hospice, to that Carole responds with a huge smile and a hit