Care home comes alive with the sound of music

Staff at Glebefields Care Centre in Drayton ran a music event with different activities taking place every day last week. Residents enjoyed a visit from an opera singer, a guitarist and a vicar and his wife who performed a rendition of There's a Hole in My Bucket. Those who were able also exercised to music and some residents enjoyed listening to tunes while in the bath or shower. Children also went to the home to perform dances. The event was part of a challenge called Music in the Air run by the National Association for Providers of Activities for Older People (NAPA).

The organisation invited care providers to find different ways of bringing music into the daily life of a home and a £3,000 prize is up for grabs. Sally Knocker, NAPA’s director of communications, said: "Music, perhaps more than anything else in a care home, has the potential to transform a mood in a room, whether to lift spirits or cause stress."

Joyce Furey, social care manager at Glebefields, said: "Of course we’d love to win but we learned so much by joining in and having a go at what they suggested. We’ve tried to involve relatives, volunteers and outside workers. It was really lovely week. We have been able to use music for exercise, relaxation, fun and have been obtaining the services of local people to help in our efforts. This has been an exciting week in the lives of the residents." Residents released balloons with wishes attached to them to end the week.

28th May 2010

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