NEWS FEED
A specialist dementia care home in Verwood, has just introduced the ‘Playlist for Life’ scheme, playing over 300 songs specially chosen by all its residents.
By playing the personalised selection, Waypoints Verwood has made a big impact on its residents, helping them to connect to their memories, improving their awareness and their sense of independence.
Activities co-ordinator at the care home, Emilia Tubisz, said, “I spoke to residents and their relatives and friends to compile a list of their favourite songs and artists, which include anything from The Rolling Stones to Frank Sinatra and ABBA!”
The songs were downloaded onto an MP3 player and are played through the sound system.
Emilia added, “After the first week of playing the songs, I could see the mood changes in some of the residents. One of the ladies likes the classical music such as Pavarotti and when she heard the song I asked her what she thought. She then smiled and said ‘this is lovely, I like this kind of music’. Another lady started to sing when she heard some of the Doris Day songs from ‘The Pajama Game’ musical, and there was also a gentleman who heard a classical piece of music and he sat there smiling with his eyes closed. Another day, there were two ladies who started to dance around the bistro when they heard their song! – it’s great to see the impact the scheme has had on the residents!”
Chief executive of Playlist for Life, Sarah Metcalfe, said, “Personally meaningful music can be a uniquely powerful tool to improve life for people living with dementia. We provide tools and training to people with dementia, their families and carers to harness its powerful effects. It is great to hear the good practice being developed by Waypoints Verwood.”
Waypoints Verwood is one of three specialist dementia care homes within the Waypoints Care Group.
Each home is purpose-built and designed specifically for people living with dementia, including beautifully decorated rooms, wider corridors and some even feature a circular walking route, to aid freedom of movement.
The Waypoints ethos is to make all residents feel as comfortable, safe and happy as possible, supporting them throughout the different stages of dementia.
For more details about Waypoints Verwood, call 01202 812250 or go to www.waypoints-care.co.uk
For details about the Playlist for Life scheme, go to www.playlistforlife.org.uk
