After months of virtual entertainment, we finally welcomed back Gunni from Kiddleydivey this week, to entertain our residents from a distance.
Kiddleydivey is a national music service provider specialising in providing age and mind appropriate, educational and therapeutic musical sessions from birth to end of life.
Connecting and stimulating through music, Kiddleydivey have been working with those in care with dementia and memory loss conditions since 1996.
Each session that Kiddleydivey delivers is varied and includes music and songs from the 1930’s – 1990’s, along with some chair-based exercises, interesting facts, quiz questions, name that tune and more.
Music leaders from the organisation weren’t able to visit Crouched Friars during the coronavirus pandemic, therefore, residents have been enjoying the sessions virtually.
Paulina Eagle, home manager here at Crouched Friars, said:
“We’re delighted to welcome Gunni back into our home, she’s been dearly missed by our residents over the last few months.
“In such unusual times, it was wonderful to have a good old sing-along, and enjoy the wonderful entertainment provided by Gunni.
“Music therapy can be incredibly important for older people, and even more so for those living with dementia, so we’re thrilled that we were able to continue with the sessions during lockdown, albeit virtually.
“Our new measures in place enable entertainers to visit our home, in a safe environment. We are following strict safety procedures and all visits are being carefully organised and monitored by our managers.
“Each visit is taking place in the garden, with two-metre social distancing. Aside from entertainment visits, families are also wearing masks and using hand sanitisers during their visits to minimise the risk of covid-19.”
At Crouched Friars, our care workers understand the importance of music and the therapeutical benefits it provides for our residents living with dementia. Some of the ways we use music for dementia include:
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Helping with communication
For residents that have lost their ability to speak, music can be a great way for them to communicate. Music allows our residents to clap, nod or tap in rhythm to the music. When they join in sing-alongs, they are often able to express themselves and gain the benefits of joining in a social activity.
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Breaking a repetitive behaviour
Listening to music can help residents break away from repetitive behaviour, such as asking the same question, or repeating a motion or activity.
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Provoke memories
Even when memories become particularly hard to remember, often music can still be recalled, so listening to songs from the past can often be very calming and can encourage memories from younger years.
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Stimulating activity
Adding music to therapy or exercise sessions helps residents focus on moving. Singing while doing exercise helps with breathing and keeps them engaged with the activity.
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Easing into bedtime routines
Soft, calming music can create a calm environment and ease sun downing behaviour (like anxiety or anger) and creates a serene atmosphere for bedtime routines.
Interested in hearing more about what we do at Crouched Friars? From music sessions to exercise routines, there’s always plenty going on.
For more info, get in touch via our contact form or give us a call on 01206 572647.