The team at a Salford home care company are all singing from the same song sheet as they launch their latest campaign as part of Dementia Action Week (May 21 to 27).
Home Instead Senior Care has created a ‘SongsToRemember’ top 10 of favourite songs that caregivers and their clients love to sing together – and plans to get a 1,000 people to join in.
The three most popular songs were ‘Bring me Sunshine’ sung by Morecambe & Wise, ‘It’s a Long way to Tipperary’ and ‘You Are My Sunshine’.
Research has shown that memories of songs activate very specific areas of the brain, which seem to be particularly resistant to the damaging effects of dementia. The clearest memories are for the music and songs they enjoyed and heard roughly between the ages of 10 and 30.
The Salford Team will be using the #SongsToRemember song sheet to sing along with their clients, colleagues and people in the local area. They will also be posting pictures and updates on social media, using the hashtag #SongsToRemember and #1000voices.
Susan Robinson, co-owner of Home Instead Salford, said: “We’ve all experienced the feeling of being transported back to a place or time from our past through a piece of music or song, but for people who have dementia and their loved ones, that experience can be particularly magical.
“We are going to get everyone singing our number one song ‘Bring Me Sunshine’ and we might even throw in some of the Morecambe & Wise dance moves. It’s going to be wonderful, bringing people together all as one voice, spreading the sheer enjoyment of music and song and seeing the impact it can have particularly on those living with dementia.”
The International Longevity Centre – UK (ILC-UK), with support from The Utley Foundation, has created a Commission on dementia and music.
They are actively encouraging more to be done to promote the power of music to improve the lives of people with dementia and are supporting the Home Instead #SongsToRemember campaign.
Sally Bowell, ILC-UK Research, said: “We are delighted that Home Instead is drawing attention to the importance of singing and music for people living with dementia in such a fun and inclusive way. We know that music has such huge potential to provide a lifeline promoting social connection, restoring a sense of self and bringing joy, even during what can be challenging times.”
Home Instead specialises in providing at-home care for the elderly, allowing people to remain independent for as long as possible.
It is the only home care company to offer dementia training that is City & Guilds accredited, making its caregivers experts in supporting people to live life well with dementia.
Home Instead surveyed thousands of Caregivers across its country-wide network to identify the top 10 most popular songs.
#SongsToRemember Top Ten
1. Bring Me Sunshine – Morecombe and Wise
2. It’s a Long Way to Tipperary – Music Hall Song
3. You Are My Sunshine – Jimmie Davis
4. We’ll Meet Again – Vera Lynn
5. Oh What A Beautiful Morning – Gordon Macrae
6. The White Cliffs of Dover – Vera Lynn
7. Que Sera Sera – Doris Day
8. Over the Rainbow – Judy Garland
9. Singing In the Rain – Gene Kelly
10. My Way – Frank Sinatra
For more information call 0161 870 3861 or visit https://www.homeinstead.co.uk/Salford
