Author: ruthstrangeway

I am a semi professional singer based in Yorkshire. Using my skills from performing in musical theatre, since 1996, I've sung at weddings, funerals, special occasions and provided entertainment to the care industry. In 2011, I created my business "Motivational Music" with a specific objective of encouraging the elderly to get involved, make music, sing, move and have lots of fun.

First Care Home Nursery Opens In London

Published on by ruthstrangeway

I was delighted to read an article in this month’s Care Home magazine which followed on from the recent Channel 4 experiment and brought news of the first Care Home Nursery which opens in London this month.

This is wonderful news, bringing hope to the lives of many elderly residents and invaluable education for the young citizens of tomorrow who will develop love, tolerance, compassion and understanding of the challenges our older generation face each day. Congratulations to Nightingale House London and to Apples and Honey Nursery on creating the first children’s nursery at a UK care home. Hopefully it will be the first of many.

You can also read the full news item in Nursery World.

Pocklington Post Feature Music for the Mind

Published on by ruthstrangeway

Great to see news of the forthcoming “Music for the Mind” sessions featured in this week’s “Pocklington Post.” I’m most grateful to them and to all the local businesses who are kindly displaying posters advertising these sessions on their premises.

Having just watched the two part programme “Old People’s Home For 4 Year Olds” on Channel 4 and witnessed the incredible results achieved by opening the doors of a Care Home to a group of boisterous four-year old children over a ten week period, I am inspired by the number of amazing improvements measured in these residents’ mental and physical health. As a result I am even more determined to share my own brand of “Motivational Music” with as many elderly people as possible in the clear knowledge of the benefits it brings to my audiences.

Music & Dementia

Published on by ruthstrangeway

Dementia is rapidly becoming the health and social care challenge of the 21st century.

Music not only stirs our deepest emotions, but active participation can increase energy and vigour to see us through the most stress-filled life experiences.

Billy Joel says “I think music in itself is healing. It’s an explosive expression of humanity. It’s something we are all touched by. No matter what culture we’re from, everyone loves music.”

The modern method of using music to heal, called “music therapy,” was born after World War II when physicians and nurses in veterans hospitals noticed their patients improved after listening to music.

Just how the brain and body process music remains mysterious but we know music is processed on many levels at once. Music that has personal significance to someone or is connected with historical events is a strong stimulus to engage responses in people, even in late stages of dementia. Even if they’re not necessarily able to tell you what the song is, they are able to be moved and feel the associations.

Useful Statistics

  • It is estimated that 850,000 people in the UK are living with dementia, with numbers set to rise to over 1 million by 2025. This will soar to 2 million by 2051.
  • Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia, affecting 62 per cent of those diagnosed.
  • Two thirds of the cost of dementia is paid by people with dementia and their families.
  • Unpaid carers supporting someone with dementia save the economy £11 billion a year.

Musical Partnership Brings Hope For Those Living With Dementia In Stamford Bridge Area

Published on by ruthstrangeway

I’m very excited about my latest news!

Next month, in joint partnership with Barchester Healthcare, I’m launching “Music for the Mind” specifically for those living with dementia and their carers. Each session will last for one and a half hours, beginning with a relaxed welcome and refreshments on arrival, a chance to meet like minded people, before the singing starts.

The fortnightly sessions start on Monday 11th September between 1.30 and 3.00pm and will take place in The Terrace Lounge at Stamford Bridge Beaumont Care Home. These fun, informal musical afternoons are designed for people living with dementia and their carers, to help retain skills, build confidence, make new friends and combat loneliness.

 

Dementia is rapidly becoming the health and social care challenge of the 21st century, so I’m really excited to be working in partnership with Barchester Healthcare on this project. I want to encourage those diagnosed with dementia, to come along and sing. It’s so important to have something to look forward to. Music, not only stirs our deepest emotions, but active participation can increase energy and vigour to see us through the most stress-filled life experiences. This group will provide a safe space where you are understood and supported by other people with the same condition. With such peer support, you are not on your own.

Don’t worry whether you can sing or not, everybody’s welcome and you don’t need to read music. It’s all about having fun.

Memories – 10 Years On

Published on by ruthstrangeway

Today brings back memories of 10 years ago when I lost one of my dearest friends. A wonderful musician and singing partner it was you Rich who opened the door to the care home industry and showed me where my voice and music could be put to best use. For that I’m eternally grateful. Gone but never forgotten. Always in my heart xxx

Richard Sykes – a dear friend and wonderful musician

Stamford Bridge – Beaumont Care Home – Care Home Open Day 2017

Published on by ruthstrangeway

On the afternoon of Friday 16th June, music, fun and lots of laughter filled the Terrace Lounge of the  Stamford Bridge – Beaumont Care Home as I entertained staff and residents of the home and a member of the local community as part of the home’s Care Home Open Day 2017 celebrations.

We started the afternoon with a Sing Along session. Everyone was in good voice singing along to “As Time Goes By” from the 1942 film “Casablanca”. Residents at the home sing several times a week and really enjoy their music, which is quite evident.

After some singing we put away our song sheets and focused on having fun with different musical activities and instruments. We ended the afternoon playing our instruments and singing along energetically to “Put Another Nickle In.” Well done everyone I hope you enjoyed yourselves as much as I did!

 

Singing For The Brain

Published on by ruthstrangeway

I was delighted to read this article in the Yorkshire Post online.

http://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/news/harrogate-choir-hitting-the-right-note-in-the-fight-against-dementia-1-8593829

What a fantastic resource for dementia patients and their carers. Music enables each one of us to communicate in our own way and this choir offers so much, fun, upliftment, interaction, understanding and above all support. Being part of it means its’ members can feel part of something greater, improving levels of confidence and reducing feelings of isolation. Well done Alison Wrigglesworth and the Alzheimer’s Society.