Singing sessions help Sheffield residents with dementia

SINGING and dancing therapy sessions have been taking place at a Sheffield care home to help residents living with dementia.

The monthly activities are run by charity Lost Chord at The Laurels and The Limes Care Home on Manchester Road Sheffield.

They have proven to have a positive effect on those with the degenerative condition, says Helena Muller, who founded the charity.

She said: “We’ve been holding musical sessions at The Laurels every month and residents have responded well to us.

“We have a positive effect on dementia by using music to stimulate areas of the brain that are still intact. This is particularly important where verbal communication is no longer possible.

“We use a tactile approach, gaining eye contact, holding hands and reaching out.

“Music is the key that can unlock the door behind which a frightened and intimidated person hides. Everyone has a piece of music that sparks something within them – and it is lovely to find.”

Louise Spooner, home manager at The Laurels Care Home, said: “We have been working with Lost Chord for some time now and we see a huge difference in our residents following one of their sessions.

“Dementia is most closely associated with memory loss but music continues to have a powerful effect on those living with the condition. We see an uplift in mood, less aggressive behavior and greater sociability among those who take part.”

Lost Chord was founded in 1999 in Rotherham and each year it’s 150 musicians help organise around 1,300 interactive musical session sin 130 care homes, primarily in South Yorkshire.