First Care Home Nursery Opens In London

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

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.

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

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

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

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!

 

Care Home Open Day – Friday 16th June

I’m delighted to be joining forces with their excellent Activity Team and residents at The Beaumont, Stamford Bridge to provide this year’s Care Home Open Day entertainment on Friday 16th June from 1.30pm. Please come along and support them either in the morning for a cup of tea and a chance to chat to residents, or in the afternoon to join in our musical fun. Everyone is welcome.