Skelton Court residents dance the day away

Residents at Skelton Court care home in north Yorkshire have celebrated being accepted into Dementia Friendly Redcar community organisation with a silent disco. 

The residents at the home in Skelton-in-Cleveland boogied the afternoon away with 10 pupils from Skelton Primary School. 

The home has been accepted as a member of Dementia Friendly Redcar and Cleveland which works to help people live with dementia and remain a part of their community.  

Tunes played by DJ Pete Goldup included classics like Elvis’ Blue Suede Shoes, Neil Diamond’s Sweet Caroline, Shotgun by George Ezra, Do the Conga, Monty Python’s Always Look On The Bright Side Of Life and YMCA. 

Silent discos see people dance to music that is transmitted through wireless headphones rather than played over a speaker system. 

They enable people who do not normally tolerate group activities to join in and the wearing of headphones appear to help people with dementia focus on the music, possibly due to the reduction in outside noises, and usually result in lyrics being remembered and sang. 

Anchor’s Community Partnership Manager for Skelton Court, David Wood, said:

What an amazing afternoon we had at Skelton Court. It was the home’s first silent disco and we love trying out new events and activities to see how the residents will enjoy them and try to offer new experiences.   

Musical activity always goes down well, and the school children brought with them a great energy and element of fun. It will definitely be something we look to do again in the future. 

Our involvement with Dementia Friendly Redcar and Cleveland is part of our ongoing dementia work. We host dementia events which we open up to our community and we have had staff trained to become dementia friends and we are changing the environment on our dementia floor to enhance the care we deliver.

DJ Pete Goldup said:

Clive, one of the residents, said he really enjoyed it, the music was good and they enjoyed the dancing. They said they would like to have the silent disco again. 

I love seeing how the residents and staff react to my Silent Discos and I feel they’re only going to get better and better. 

They are definitely events that cross generations and when I’m playing to a full home you can see how inclusive the events are with people joining in from all areas of the home.  

There is something about the headphones that really helps people living with dementia focus on the music.

More about Skelton Court

Located near Saltburn-by-the-Sea in the market town of Skelton-in-Cleveland, Skelton Court care home offers first class residential and dementia care in luxurious and comfortable surroundings. The home organises a variety of opportunities for residents to enjoy daily activities and works in partnership with the National Association for Providers of Activities for Older People (NAPA) to encourage activities that enhance resident's lifestyle, health and wellbeing. 

To speak to a member of our friendly team today call 01287 651394.