Enriching the experience of care with music therapy

Every three minutes, someone in the UK is diagnosed with dementia. It’s a growing concern amongst relatives, with 67% of the public worrying about a loved one developing dementia – an 8% increase since January 2021.  

Receiving a dementia diagnosis can be scary, both for the person receiving the diagnosis and their loved ones. Yet, tailored dementia care can help to maintain a good quality of life.   

Across Anchor’s care homes, we see how music transforms the wellbeing of our residents. Music helps us engage with the world around us, recall fond memories and brings us together. With that in mind, we’re launching an 18-month music therapy project in 13 of our care homes, with sessions centred around people living with dementia. 

Music means the world to people of all ages 

We’re committed to ensuring everyone living with dementia in our care has access to activities that inspire and fulfil their lives. 75% of older people surveyed by our recent research said they found joy in music and that’s why we’re delighted to trial the sessions at our homes.  

The project is in partnership with Anglia Ruskin University’s Cambridge Institute for Music Therapy Research, with funding from The Utley Foundation. 

Sessions will be both in groups and on an individual basis, with activities tailored to the needs of residents. The sessions form part of our reminiscence therapy, which provides residents with opportunities to recall precious memories. 

Connecting with our residents through the power of music 

Not only will the music therapy sessions benefit residents in terms of helping them recall memories and engage with songs and music they enjoy, but it will also be an opportunity for our colleagues to learn innovative new skills. By attending these music therapy sessions, carers can learn more ways to engage with residents and deliver the person-centred care we pride ourselves on.  

Join us as we make #Music4theMind

We’ll be sharing the musical journeys of our residents and colleagues throughout the project here on our website and on social media using the hashtag #Music4theMind 

And we’d love to hear what music brings back the happiest memories for you. So please share your songs and the memories they trigger on Facebook or Twitter using the hashtag #Music4theMind.