At
Roby House Care Home, in Huyton, Liverpool, Colleagues have created a music therapy programme designed to enhance the wellbeing and quality of life of Residents at the home. Residents are able to enjoy a wide range of music therapy activities in the programme, including weekly karaoke sessions and live musical entertainment.
The music therapy programme idea was generated and introduced by Senior Care Assistant, Carol-Ann Cole, who created a weekly karaoke session for Residents to participate in called ‘Carol-oke’. ‘Carol-oke’ was a big hit with Residents and it has been part of the homes’ wellbeing activities programme ever since.
The home’s weekly karaoke sessions create a fun, stimulating and active environment, as Residents and Colleagues come together to sing, and play instruments, to old-time classic songs from artists such as Vera Lynn and Roy Orbison and newer hits from the likes of Ed Sheeran and Britney Spears.
The team have seen numerous benefits for the Residents since introducing the music therapy programme. It encourages social interactions, discussions of different interpretations of music, and reminiscence activities, as the music brings Residents back to wonderful memories. The sessions are also a chance to come together as a community, make friendships, and have some fun.
Susan Downey, Deputy Manager at Roby House Care Home, remarked:
“This program contributes significantly to the wellbeing of our Residents; from this we have been able to see a boost of morale within our home. The Residents look forward to each session, and hold the moments very dear to them.”
Twenty-two-year-old Charles Buttle delivers the therapy programme as part of his Wellbeing Coordinator role, using his music performance and music technology experience to have a positive influence on the wellbeing of Residents through music therapy.
Charles commented:
“I’m thrilled that I am able to use my experience, education, and passion for music to make a difference to our Residents.”
Lawra Baumane, Quality of Life Specialist at HC-One said:
“It is great to see the music therapy programme at Roby House Care Home having such a positive impact on the lives of Residents.
“Music therapy sessions have a number of benefits, including improving cognitive skills such as memory and recall, enhancing communication and expression, creating social interaction, and sparking feelings of excitement.
“The sessions also improve physical and mental health and wellbeing by encouraging Residents to move around, dance, tap and clap along. On top of this, music therapy creates a positive space for reminiscence, bringing back positive memories of happy or important events and moments.”
Following the success of ‘Carol-oke’ and the music therapy sessions, the home plans to broaden and develop how they deliver great wellbeing and music therapy sessions to Residents, including welcoming in live performers.