Ashley Court care home in Poole, Dorset, has embarked on a new music initiative to bring joy and stimulation to residents living with dementia.
The home has connected with Global Purple Angel Music, which is a dementia awareness organisation that strives to offer a better standard of life for people living with dementia, through a music programme.
Purple Angel Music has supplied Ashley Court with three specially designed MP3 music systems, created for individual use. The MP3s are loaded with music selected around the person’s tastes, memories and preferences, interlaced with simple and clear reminders to carry out everyday tasks such as having a drink to keep hydrated.
The first MP3 was presented to resident Leonard this week, who lives with dementia. Having spoken with Leonard, his family and looked through his detailed care plan, the staff knew how much Leonard loves music from the 1960s.
His device was therefore loaded with his beloved music, including his favourite tracks from Del Shannon, Everly Brothers, Johnny Cash and Roy Orbison, and when he was given the device, he was absolutely delighted.
The remainder of the devices are being given to other residents and the home hopes to secure more as part of the initiative.
Home Manager Gigy Johnson said, “The impact this very small device has had on Leonard is really quite incredible. As soon as we gave him the earphones and he heard the music playing, he was immediately immersed in the music; he really becomes a different character when he has his headphones on!
“Purple Angel was originally started by someone who was diagnosed with dementia so really knows from personal experience what effect music can have. In fact, studies also show that musical memories are some of the last to be affected by dementia.
“These MP3 players will not only improve overall wellbeing for our residents, but will give them a sense of purpose. We are delighted to be involved with this wonderful project.”
For more information, visit www.healthcarehomes.co.uk or call 01202 715902. For more information on Global Purple Angel Music visit www.purpleangelmusic.co.uk.
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