Music for Dementia showcases services to support care workers during Carers Week

To celebrate Carers Week 2022 which runs from 6-12 June, Music for Dementia is showcasing what services, help and support are available to care workers to "improve their own health and wellbeing."

Research and experience show music can help reduce the distressing symptoms of dementia. But these benefits are not restricted to people living with dementia, they also extend to their loved ones, support workers and professional care workers.

There is strong evidence music stimulates the production of dopamine and certain music can help with sleep and relaxation.

Grace Meadows, campaign director at Music for Dementia said: “Carers Week is a focal point in the calendar when we can stop and celebrate the valuable work of care workers.

"Music has many therapeutic benefits that can help care workers to improve their own health and wellbeing and to manage the challenges and sometimes isolating experience of caring for someone living with dementia.

“That is one of the reasons why The Utley Foundation through Music for Dementia continues to fund a wide range of grassroots organisations to deliver musical services and support throughout the country.

“We proudly join with many during Carers Week to demonstrate our recognition of value and support for care workers everywhere in the incredible work they do each and every day in supporting people living with dementia.”

There are numerous services available throughout the country that support people living with dementia and their care workers to experience the therapeutic benefits of music. For example:

• Musica music’s press play to rewind programme boosts confidence in the use of meaningful music in daily dementia care by offering training to healthcare professionals through online courses and group coaching sessions.

• Playlist for life offers free resources and support to care workers in learning how personalised playlists could help a person live well with dementia. The charity helps people get started with making a playlist and choosing the right music.

• The brain charity’s music makes us! programme offers workshops that combine singing with speech and language therapy and dance with physiotherapy.

• The Spitz Charitable Trust takes professional musicians into care homes, day centres and hospitals. Through live music, they connect with people to help improve their well-being and quality of life.

• Together with Music, an Intergenerational Music Making programme connects care homes, community groups and schools through music. The programme connects care homes and older members of the community with their local schools and young people to reduce isolation and improve mental wellbeing. It aims to train professionals and empower them to pass on the healing powers of music.