OK Music Harmony is group music therapy sessions for elderly people with diagnosed memory problems and other conditions which take place at Homelink Respite Care Centre in Whitton. We have been providing an online group and hope to return to face to face groups to help reduce clients’ isolation and improve their mental well-being. We are also running monthly carer and client groups to support carers and help them use music at home in a therapeutic way.
Music is especially beneficial for elderly people with memory problems as memory of music often remains even at late stages, and people can still sing, appreciate and respond to music, which can help them access memories.
We are very grateful to Hampton Fund for funding this project.
ACTIVITIES:
- Singing familiar songs and talking about them
- Playing percussion or other instruments, copying rhythm
- Choosing a theme each week with pictures and songs to evoke memories and prompt discussion
- Listening to music to enjoy
- Movement to the music (soft movements)
BENEFITS:
- The clients engage in a joint activity, giving a positive social experience
- Listening to familiar songs evokes memories and helps them to communicate, express themselves and make friends
- Singing and sharing of memories helps to relax them and make them feel happier.
- Their confidence and sense of worth increases as they sing and play a percussion instrument together in the group