We awarded funding to Sheffield based charity, Darnall Dementia Trust. They provide high quality day care three days a week, for up to 10 people aged 65 years and over living with dementia. Our grant was used to fund member activities. They have a Natural Voice accredited practitioner who delivers singing sessions to their group. The funding enabled them to increase the number of sessions from twice a month to four times a month.
In their feedback report to us they highlighted that their singing sessions are probably their most enjoyed & participated in activity. Their clients engage in whatever way they feel comfortable, whether that is just listening, clapping their hands, tapping their feet or joining in with the singing. Some even get up to dance – no mean feat considering all their people are aged 65+, have a dementia diagnosis and most have very limited mobility.
Their practitioner will often give clues as to the next song – which stimulates the group and also provides memory prompts for things that may be associated with a particular song or time. This encourages some people to share those memories with the group.
The impacts on their clients were varied. The music sessions increased inclusivity & participation and also provided stimulation. The benefits also included increased confidence as these are probably activities that they wouldn’t engage in at home. Above all were the reduced feelings of isolation and loneliness that might have been experienced at home.