Make music with others to promote socialising

• Video Description

  This video shows the benefits of taking part in music sessions with a mix of generations from outside the home. As well as the usual tapping, clapping and singing, we see everyone from babies to care home residents enjoying the same music together. Music by ABBA and the Beatles effortlessly crosses the generations.

  This video was filmed at Cinnamon Group care homes – Earlsfield Court, Bexhill, Eden Court, Battersea – and at St Paul’s Church, Hammersmith.

• Strategies

  • Encourage residents to make music with others, whatever their level of dementia

  • Ask visiting musicians to devise ways that residents can join in, whatever their ability

  • Ask visiting musicians to lead smaller groups of more able residents in part-singing and rounds

  • Consider inviting music groups of different ages from schools, colleges or voluntary organisations to perform and to make music with the residents.