Category: Care Homes

“Ooh aah ooh aah” is the favourite expressions of one of the lovely gentleman in our group.

This week, his catchphrase prompted me to dig out some cowboy hats and blonde pig tail wigs from my dressing up box and get us all singing along to “I’ve Got A Brand New Combine Harvester” at our Music for the Mind” session. Well done everyone and thank you all for joining in the fun and getting dressed up. Our fortnightly sessions are all about expressing ourselves and creating some new memories in a fun, positive, caring and supportive environment.

 

I’m looking forward to our Music for the Mind session next Monday on 19th February.

Please forward to anyone you know living with dementia or who is looking after someone with the illness. Our sing along sessions are great fun and a good opportunity to make some new friends. Everyone is welcome.

 

 

I was really excited to read the following BBC News item about a project called “Songs and Smiles” on line yesterday.

In a care home in Walthamstow, north-east London, babies, toddlers and elderly residents are coming together to sing and play musical instruments together.

“Songs and Smiles” is a “Together Project” founded by Louise Goulden, who whilst on maternity leave brought young and old together to help reduce loneliness and have a positive impact on those residents who have dementia. What a wonderful idea!

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/stories-43006631/the-children-keeping-their-local-care-home-young-and-fun

“Songs & Smiles is a wonderful project that bridges the gap between generations. Our residents get so much out of it, I’d recommend it to any care home” – Depak Luckhan, Manager of Ross Wyld Care Home, London

Another great Music for the Mind session this afternoon. Our group are doing really well and their singing is definitely improving each time we meet. Today we had a whole lot of fun doing The Grand Old Duke Of York with actions!!

A big thank you Gill Cain, Rachel Liddell, Zoe Lyons and Wendy Allan for all your help and support in making this another fun musical afternoon 😘😘

Even though the flu bug and icy conditions outside kept some regulars away, our Music for the Mind sessions are continuing to produce better and better results. This week we had two soloists and saw a severely disabled resident clapping. Absolutely heart warming. Just love these sessions and everyone who takes part. A big thank you to everyone who is helping to make them such a success.

 

 

It is most encouraging to read a Daily Express online article today, endorsing the benefits that singing and listening to our favourite songs brings to those living with dementia.

Our fortnightly “Music for the Mind” sessions at the Beaumont, Stamford Bridge  are already bringing health benefits to those attending our group since September 2017, including improved mood, increased confidence and self esteem. It was so rewarding at our last session to witness an elderly lady who had previously been quite withdrawn sing to the whole group on her own.

 

 

Our next Music for the Mind session will take on Monday 22nd January 2018 between 1.30 – 3.00pm in Stamford Bridge YO41 1AJ.

Please share to anyone you know living in Stamford Bridge; The Cattons; Wilberfoss; Sutton upon Derwent; Newton upon Derwent; Barmby Moor; Pocklington and its’ surrounding villages who cares for someone living with dementia at home. We’d love you to come and join our Music for the Mind group. Our sessions provide a chance to sing and make music in a safe and friendly environment.

Yesterday, it was my privilege to provide entertainment for a very happy 90th Birthday party which took place in the new, state of the art, Vida Grange specialist dementia care home in Pannal, Harrogate.

Vida Grange is the second home to be developed by Vida Healthcare and it clearly demonstrates person-centred care at the heart of its’ home.

Our first Music for the Mind session after Christmas got off to a rocking good start with some great singing and saw Gill and Bryan dancing away any remaining Christmas excesses to “At the Hop.”

Another special highlight this week was when one of our regular group members sang Edelweiss unprompted from memory on her own.

We’ve got a lovely group of people who attend our Music for the Mind sessions each alternate Monday afternoon and it’s really encouraging seeing them joining in, enjoying themselves and returning week after week.

 

As well as being good fun, singing is good for your health, getting more oxygen into the blood, increasing the flow of feel good hormones and improving mental health.

Group singing is cheaper than therapy, healthier than drinking, and certainly more fun than working out.  It is the one thing in life where feeling better is pretty much guaranteed.  Even if you start a session exhausted and depressed, by the end of it you’ll feel high as a kite on endorphins and good will.

Our fortnightly Music for the Mind sessions start again on Monday 8th January from 1.30 – 3.00pm in the Terrace Lounge at the Stamford Bridge Beaumont. Whilst our fun, informal music sessions are designed for those living with dementia and their carers, all are welcome.