New website ensures people with dementia can access music

A new website has been launched to provide information on why music is essential for people living with dementia and their carers.

Music for Dementia 2020 is the first of its kind to demonstrate the importance of music in dementia care. It is a central information hub for advice, evidence-based research and expertise on why music, in its rich variety of forms, enhances quality of life.

It also promotes the wide range of musical activities available for people living with dementia, from how to compile a playlist through to advice on how to find a music therapist.

Grace Meadows, Music for Dementia 2020’s programme director, said: “For someone living with dementia, music can be the lifeline, the connector that stops them from being locked away in a lonely and isolated world. Music, in its many forms; recorded, live, participatory, interactive, therapy, has the power to transform lives.

“There is some excellent work happening across the country; in people’s homes, the community, care settings, hospitals and hospices. However, this is not happening everywhere across the UK.

“This website is the major first step in helping to ensure that everyone living with dementia has access to the music that matters to them.”

Creating meaningful moments in the delivery of care

For the 850,000 people currently living with dementia in the UK, there may be as many as 320,000 people in residential settings who do not have access to meaningful arts provision. Over 60 per cent of carers also say they receive little or no support.

The Music for Dementia 2020 campaign aims to change this by ensuring people with the condition, and their carers, are supported to access musical activities.

Research shows, that when used appropriately through a personalised approach, music can make the delivery of care more effective and efficient, enabling carers to have more time to create meaningful moments with the people they are caring for.

Professor Martin Green, chief executive of Care England, added: “Music can evoke memories, provide opportunities to share experiences and connect people to families, friends and other residents. Through shared memories and experiences music can enhance the quality of life for everyone who need care and support services.”

The website follows the recent announcement from the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Matt Hancock MP, on the inclusion of musical activities for people living with dementia to help reduce and manage dementia symptoms.

Welcoming the website, Baroness Sally Greengross, International Longevity Centre-UK (ILC), commented: “Analysis by the ILC, undertaken for the Commission, showed that music helps to significantly minimise some of the symptoms of dementia, such as agitation, and can help to tackle anxiety and depression. Moreover, evidence suggests that music helps us to reconnect with loved ones with dementia.

“However, at present we know that too many people are missing out on the opportunity to engage in music-based activities. Bringing together learning and information about activities in this website will be a vital first step to widening access and opportunity for everyone.”

For more information on Music for Dementia 2020 go to: www.musicfordementia2020.com/