The Harmony of Memories

Why Song Therapy Works:

Music is a deep part of our memory. Songs we know can take us back to special times, starting a spark of recognition and feeling. The rhythm of music can also help thinking, improve memory and movement. Singing along adds to these benefits, encouraging physical and verbal involvement.

During song therapy sessions, familiar tunes act as a bridge to the past, bringing out feelings and memories. Singing old favourites becomes a trip down memory lane, starting talks and a feeling of shared experience among group members.

Seeing a loved one's face light up when they hear a song they had forgotten is a truly good feeling.

The Benefits of Group Song Therapy:

Dementia clubs offer a helpful and active place for song therapy to grow. The power of shared experience is clear. Seeing others sing, clap, or tap their feet can be very encouraging. This shared joy encourages people to join in and creates a feeling of community and belonging. The rhythm and melody of music can also improve mood, lower worry, bring a feeling of well-being within the group, and reduce feelings of being alone.

Here is a look at the benefits of group song therapy for people with dementia:

• Memory Help: Familiar songs can bring back memories tied to specific life events.
• Thinking Support: The rhythm and melody of music can improve memory and focus.
• Better Mood: Singing releases endorphins, the body's natural good-feeling chemicals, bringing a sense of well-being and lowering worry.
• Socialising and Talking: Singing together encourages people to talk and interact within the group, building a sense of belonging.
• Motor Skills Help: Clapping, tapping, and playing instruments can improve motor skills and coordination.
• Feeling Expression: Music offers a safe place for showing feelings, especially for those who have trouble speaking.

Getting Started: Creating a Song Therapy Session for Your Dementia Club:

If you are thinking about adding song therapy to your Dementia club, here are some helpful ideas:

• Focus on Familiarity: Pick songs from the participants' generation and culture.
• Variety is Important: Include different speeds, moods, and types of music to fit different likes.
• Keep it Active: Encourage people to join in by using items like tambourines or shakers.
• Welcome sing-alongs: Even if someone has trouble remembering all the words, humming along or just tapping their foot can be good.
• Value Every Voice: Create a place where everyone feels good about joining in.
• Keep it Simple: Choose songs with words that are easy to remember and melodies that repeat.
• Make it Fun!: Encourage people to join in with a light and playful mood. Laughter and enjoyment are essential.

A Final Note

Song therapy is a good way to improve the lives of people with dementia. In a group setting like a Dementia club, it becomes even more powerful, building a sense of community, joy, and connection to special memories. So, think about adding song therapy the next time you meet at your club. You may be surprised by the harmony it creates, not just in music. But in the lives of those who take part.

Signposting

Right at Home – Leeds East has developed a free-to-use online song list with YouTube links at:

Free-to-use Song Book or copy and paste the below link:

https://www.rightathome.co.uk/leeds-east/information-hub/music-therapy/

Dementia Clubs in Leeds using Music and Song therapy include:

OPAL – Older People's Action in the Locality: Songs are 20th Century English / American Classics - 55 Bedford Drive, LS16 6DJ. Please call 0113 261 9103

Reengage/Right at Home: Songs are 20th Century English / American Classics - Leeds Media Centre, Savile Mount, LS7 3HZ. Please call 0113 833 1950

Hamara Healthy Living Centre: Songs are Pakistani and Indian classics Tempest Rd, LS11 6RD

Royal Voluntary Service: The singing group is called "Remember Me Café" and is held every Tuesday between 10:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. Light refreshments and a cuppa are followed by actual singing with four singers leading the group for our clients until 1 p.m., Polish Catholic Centre, Newton Hill Road, LS7 4JE.

Singing Sensations: Armley Grange, Armley Grange Drive, LS12 3QH

Fun Singing Group: Methodist Hall, 1081 York Road LS14 6JB

Sweet Memories Café: Shadwell Independent Library, 99 Main Street, LS17 8HL

Leeds Headingly Choir: Rehearsals occur every Thursday during school term time, from 7.00 to 9.00 pm at Shire Oak Primary School in Headingley.

Giving Voice Choir: Mill Hill Chapel, Lower Basinghall Street, Leeds LS1 5EB

If you run a Music and Song Therapy Group and would like to be added to our list, please call 0113-833-1950, or email leedseast@rightathome.co.uk