Ridgemount residents enjoy African drumming workshop for World Alzheimer’s Month

Residents and colleagues at Ridgemount care home in Surrey enjoyed an afternoon of African drumming, music and movement to mark World Alzheimer’s Month.

A group of live drummers visited the home and invited residents to try playing the drums for themselves. As the rhythms filled the room, residents clapped, danced and joined in at their own pace, sharing an afternoon of music and laughter.

Bringing people together through music

Music can be a meaningful way for people living with dementia to connect with others. Familiar songs and rhythms may bring back memories, support communication and offer opportunities to express themselves, even when finding the right words can be difficult.

The workshop offered residents different ways to take part, whether by playing a drum, clapping along or simply enjoying the music with others.

The event followed Ridgemount’s recent achievement of the Level 1 Dementia Pathway Award, recognising colleagues’ commitment to person-centred care and supporting people living with dementia.

Evelyn Tetteh, Home Manager at Ridgemount, said:

It was such a special afternoon to be part of. You could see the energy in the room the moment the drumming started. Music has such a wonderful way of bringing people together, and it was lovely to see everyone, residents and colleagues, enjoying it side by side.

Marion, a resident at Ridgemount, said:

It was so much fun to try playing and get moving to some music. Everyone was laughing and joining in, and it was a lovely way to spend the afternoon.

For more information about Ridgemount care home, please click here.