Care Homes – Ruth Strangeway

Looking Forward To Christmas 2022

Published on November 29, 2022 by ruthstrangeway

Each year, I love the lead up to Christmas and the chance to share the magic of the festive season with the many residents and staff in those care homes where I’m working.

This year will be no different, with a busy timetable leading right up to 23rd December. I’m especially looking forward to spending considerable time with a special group of residents and staff who live close to my home. We’ve got lots of fun activities planned as well as leaving plenty of time to sing carols and do some bell ringing.

To all those in the care homes I’ve visited this year, I look forward to seeing you again in 2023 and wish you a very Happy Christmas.

Songs of Vera Lynn

Published on June 19, 2021June 19, 2021 by ruthstrangeway

Yesterday, on the first anniversary of Dame Vera Lynn’s passing, I was delighted to launch my new concert programme called “Songs of Vera Lynn. ”

My programme contains many of the songs Vera sang during WWII and other songs she sang from the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s.

Care Homes https://www.carehome.co.uk/supplier.cfm/searchazref/65432214236 or Community Groups in Yorkshire, if you need a Vera Lynn performer, my programme is right up your street. It includes many of Vera’s signature tunes, such as The White Cliffs Of Dover; Now Is The Hour; Lily Marlene; It’s A Lovely Day Tomorrow, We’ll Meet Again; Auf Wiedersehen Sweetheart and A Nightingale Sang In Berkeley Square to name a few. So give me a call and let’s all get singing along!

Over The Rainbow

Published on May 22, 2021July 15, 2021 by ruthstrangeway

There is no doubt that Judy Garland is one of my all time favourite female singers and over the years it has been my privilege to sing many of the songs she made famous. Today I’m delighted to share my own recording of her iconic song “Over the Rainbow” from the 1939 film “The Wizard of Oz.”

Judy was only 16 years old when she was cast as the young Dorothy Gale

It’s A Lovely Day Tomorrow

Published on February 4, 2021February 4, 2021 by ruthstrangeway

This is the third Vera Lynn song, which my friend Martin suggested I sing. I’d like to say a big thank you to him for highlighting them and also the “Bomber Harris” film, starring John Thaw, which I’ve now bought and look forward to watching.

Although “It’s A Lovely Day Tomorrow” was composed by Irving Berlin in 1939 and appeared in the 1940 musical “Louisiana Purchase,” today the song is synonymous with Vera Lynn when it was used to lift the spirits of the British people during the darkest days of WWII and the Blitz. It’s a beautiful song and I’ve really enjoyed working on it. I hope you enjoy my recording.

Other recordings were made in 1940 by Al Bowlly and Frank Sinatra.

Smile

Published on January 31, 2021 by ruthstrangeway

This song is dedicated to my dear friend Cath, who suggested I sing it. I hope you enjoy it.

“Smile” was written by Charlie Chaplin in 1936 for his film “Modern Times.” Its’ hauntingly beautiful and poignant lyrics touched deep into my soul as I recorded it and reminded me how deep each one of us is digging into our reserves right now and to remember to smile and remain optimistic.

Nat King Cole made a wonderful recording of the song in 1954.

Virtual Motivational Music

Published on January 26, 2021July 15, 2021 by ruthstrangeway

Since the start of the Covid restrictions, I have continued to share my voice and raise spirits through my You Tube channel , virtual entertainment and also socially distanced entertainment in care homes and at funerals.

I established Motivational Music in 2011, to encourage care home residents to sing, have fun, move and make music.

Singalong With Ruth

Published on April 5, 2020December 23, 2020 by ruthstrangeway

During the Covid 19 “lock down” I’m truly appreciating my memories of events like meet ups with family and friends; enjoying a coffee and cake in a local café; wandering freely in the outdoors and my weekly sing along sessions in the Care Homes throughout my region. Sadly, for the moment, like me, these remain “locked down”. It’s at times like this you recognise and feel the many benefits singing brings, physically, emotionally and socially and the special relationships you share with the elderly.

Spurred on by my loss of singing, over the last few days I’ve had a wonderful time singing in my own home and recording a playlist, which I hope many will be able to enjoy singing along to during this period of isolation.

I can definitely vouch for the personal health benefits I’ve gained whilst doing it. It’s given me a great opportunity to exercise my lungs and feel my sinuses and respiratory tubes opening up. Mentally, I’m feeling more alert and I know my immune system has also been given a boost. Overall I’m feeling brighter, more energetic, positive and less anxious about the world outside.

So, here’s a link to the playlist which is on You Tube https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL61PksHoEwPVwCZC5RRdylT6Nuy5RjFhz

Happy singing! I hope you experience some or more of the benefits I’ve gained.

Celebrating International Day of Older Persons 2019: ‘The Journey to Age Equality’

Published on October 1, 2019December 23, 2020 by ruthstrangeway

I am looking forward to singing in a York care home this afternoon where we all will be celebrating the 2019 International Day of Older Persons.

Each year, this day, the 1st October, is celebrated as the International Day of Older Persons. It was first established in 1990 by the United Nations General Assembly. This year’s theme is “The Journey to Age Equality”

There are currently around 700 million people over the age of 60. It is predicted that by 2050, this figure will have risen to 2 billion.

The 2019 theme is aligned with the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 10 and focuses on ways of coping with existing and preventing future old age inequality.

Raising The Roof At Loran House, Hull

Published on September 1, 2019December 23, 2020 by ruthstrangeway

I was thrilled to witness residents and staff of Loran House, Hull* raise the roof last Thursday during my latest Motivational Music session there. As one staff member commented afterwards “You really got them going Ruth.” Some residents got up and danced; others moved, sang and made music in their armchairs. The whole room was filled with music, fun and lots of laughter. What a wonderful afternoon we all had.

There are so many physical, emotional and social benefits to be gained from singing and it is my joy and privilege to be able to assist in bringing a room to life during a motivational music session. This is particularly obvious when I work in a care home, where after lunch many residents can be found dozing in their armchairs as I arrive.

Singing is an ageless enjoyment and it is well known that the endorphins it releases reduce pain and improve mood. Singing is particularly beneficial for elderly people who lead a sedentary lifestyle. I have witnessed firsthand how my regular singing sessions contribute to bringing the following benefits amongst elderly care home residents:-

Increased energy
Animated mind, body and spirit
Reduced anger, depression and anxiety
Increased self esteem and confidence
Enhanced mood
Improved mental alertness which in turn contributes to reducing the number of falls
Increased lung capacity
Increased sense of community
Creating a forum for fun & laughter

*Loran House residential care centre, offers care for clients whose needs are associated with the ageing process and dementia.

Small Kittens Can Make A Huge Difference

Published on February 25, 2018February 25, 2018 by ruthstrangeway

A kind friend flagged up this wonderful video today from The Happiness Heroes demonstrating the many benefits to the elderly of raising small kittens. What a wonderful idea.