Services for All Aspects of Death

Enjoy the positive effects of music through our Music by the Bedside, Front Porch Music, and Charlottesville Threshold Singers programs. Our partner musicians bring soothing live music to patients and their loved ones, wherever they are.

Music by the Bedside
Music by the Bedside offers “Music as Care.” Our Certified Music Practitioners specialize in one-on-one interactions with hospice patients at every stage of their journey. They provide therapeutic music using the Celtic harp, guitar, mountain dulcimer, and voice. The music is tailored to the patient’s perceived needs in the moment and adjusted as the session progresses. Their repertoire includes diverse styles that often yield physical benefits and emotional and spiritual support. The patient is passive, simply receiving the music. Above all, the practitioners aim to be a loving and compassionate presence while offering this service.

The Front Porch
The Front Porch story began on an actual porch in 2015. The porch has become a significant touchstone for them, a place where people gather to visit, relax, tell stories, and share music. It symbolizes community in its most organic sense. Though they have come a long way since their beginnings, they remain committed to their mission: connecting everyone through music. The Front Porch was founded with the strong belief that music is a universal language that connects people, serving as a bridge between our past and future. Music allows us to express ourselves creatively and connect with others, creating the magic of creation in real time when experienced together.

The Charlottesville Threshold Singers
The Charlottesville Threshold Singers is a community of women who sing in harmony at the bedside of those who are ill and dying in Charlottesville and the surrounding area. Their songs convey simple messages of love, life, and healing. Gentle singing offers comfort and compassion for the dying and their caregivers. They sing in small groups of 3 to 4 at bedsides in private homes, hospices, and care facilities in Charlottesville. The group honors all spiritual paths and maintains no religious affiliations. Their songs convey quiet messages of love, life, and heart in very tender times.

Let certified art therapists guide you through creative expression with Art by the Bedside. This program allows patients with life-limiting illnesses to express themselves creatively with a variety of artistic tools. Enjoy the healing benefits of art wherever you’re most comfortable—our passionate volunteers will come to you.

Our volunteer-led pet therapy program provides patients with an opportunity to interact with service dogs. These animals meet patients where they are, in nursing homes, private residences, or assisted living facilities. Dog-loving patients find great joy and comfort in spending time with these furry friends.

Many patients and caregivers find solace in physical human connection. Our massage and Reiki therapy providers bring comfort through massages that are catered to your specific preferences—including full-body massage, massage on the shoulders and neck, and touch-free Reiki sessions that reduce stress and promote healing. This service isn’t just for patients—caregivers are also welcome to enjoy the relaxing benefits of massage therapy.

Get holistic support on your end-of-life journey from a dedicated guide. A Death Doula is inspired by the role of a midwife in the birthing process. This service helps patients and families create an empowered, intentional plan for the final months of life and provides a calming, positive presence. Learn more about our Death Doula Program.

Our 11th Hour Vigil Program was built around the vision that no one should have to die on their own. Our volunteers accompany patients who would otherwise be alone during their final hours, or those whose families need additional support. For example, if family members are on their way to the patient’s bedside, an 11th Hour volunteer will sit with the patient until they arrive. This program provides patients with a loving and accepting presence at the very end.