Care residents feel the power of music

CARE home residents are boosting their wellbeing thanks to music.

Musical activity sessions at Craigend, the Minsterrun care home in Ruchazie, are helping to improve the residents’ health.

During the sessions, they are shown how to play percussion instruments (in- cluding tambourines, maracas and drums) i n harmony with each other to make music.

The instructor sings along and encourages residents to join in.

The musical workshops act as a form of reminiscence therapy as participants remember songs from their past and previous weeks. Research has shown that structured music programmes can improve mood, communication, selfesteem and confidence.

The sessions are made possible by Glasgow-based charity Common Wheel, which aims to provide meaningful activities for people with mental illnesses, including dementia.

Katherine Waumsley, part of the music team at Common Wheel, said: “Using music in the way we do, you get to see a side of people that is sometimes hidden. It empowers them to contribute and express themselves. There’s a won- derful atmosphere and sense of community at Craigend as the staff get involved as well.”

Care home manager Elaine McIntyre said: “Residents laugh and smile throughout, and there is a noticeable improvement in their mood and sociability afterwards.”