Caregivers receive night of relaxation through sound healing

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Caregiving is a demanding job. In fact, according to an AARP report, more than 60% of caregivers say that responsibility increases their level of stress and worry.

A North Carolina woman is volunteering her time and expertise to give a group of caregivers a night of peace and relaxation using sound.

Sound alchemist Racquel Washington uses various instruments like wind chimes, an ocean drum and crystal sound bowls to provide what she calls sound healing.

“All of the bowls are tuned to different frequencies, which actually work in harmony with different parts of the body,” Washington said.

Those receiving this kind of healing sit in chairs or lay on the ground for what may be the only hour of peace they have all day. They’re all caregivers, and Washington says this sound bath and meditation allows them to focus on their own needs for a moment.

“With so many people relying on them, it’s just really important that we offer some space focused on their wellness as they are focusing on making sure that other people are well and have what they need,” Washington said.

Dayna Wade takes care of her mother who has Alzheimer’s disease and says the sessions have worked for her.

“I actually felt the colors when she was playing the instruments,” she said. “And I felt peaceful. I felt present in my body, and it was just a beautiful experience.”

Kym Motley of the nonprofit, the Gladys Love Project, helped coordinate this night of relaxation. She says the community you can gain from events like this is also key.

“I would say that community is so important, and that will counter the effects of senior isolation, which does lead to early death and caregiver burden, the enormous amount of stress that caregivers are under,” Motley said.

Washington does this for a living but offers it up to groups like this from time to time because she believes everyone should have access to the benefits.

“This allows us to create an environment where hopefully those caregivers have an overflow that they can now pour from instead of pouring from an empty cup,” Washington said.

The Gladys Love Project offers regular events like this for caregivers.

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