Award recognition is music to our ears
Care home first in Scotland to get Playlist for Life nod
A Renfrew care home has become the first in the country to get special status for its efforts in using music to boost residents with dementia.
Craigielea Care Home has been named the first of its type in Scotland to receive accredited status for Playlist for Life, a scheme that uses recordings of music to help people with dementia.
As revealed in the Paisley Daily Express, former Craigielea resident Harry O’Donnell was seen to be comforted and cheered by his own personal soundtrack in a film made by the Playlist for Life charity.
In the video, Mr O’Donnell was filmed with wife Margaret as he listened to his favourite music.
A personal playlist can help to enhance memories and abilities, strengthen relationships and restore a sense of self, the charity said.
Playlist for Life accredited status is only awarded when practitioners can demonstrate implementation of the scheme and not just attend a training event.
Manager of Craigielea Care Home Sheila Inshaw said: “We are delighted to have achieved accredited status for the Playlist for Life establishment and, are particularly proud, as we are the first home in Scotland to receive this prestigious award.
“The staff have worked extremely hard with residents and families, and will continue to promote Playlist for Life to everyone who will listen as it really can have such rewarding results for residents, families and staff.”
Andy Lowndes, deputy chairman for Playlist for Life, went along to a feedback session at Craigielea.
Staff told him how they planned to implement the Playlist for Life since a training session some months before.
He said: “We are delighted to award Craigielea with the first Playlist for Life accredited status in Scotland.
“Craigielea Care Home is where Playlist for Life was first piloted just over four years ago and it was great to go back and meet the manager Sheila and her committed team again.”
We told how, as Playlist for Life was introduced to Harry O’Donnell, he gradually began to tap his hands, tap his feet, and clearly engage with the music.
He also began to use words again, which surprised everyone at the home, and his wife Margaret.
Months later Mr O’Donnell’s quality of life improved beyond measure.
Mrs O’Donnell told the Express at the time: “To me, it made a big difference. He was regressing, he was right back and I just thought he was gone, absolutely gone, from me.
“But not now. He’s back and he’s loud.
“He wants to talk and he wants to take part.”
In the video, Mr O’Donnell – who has since passed away – was seen chatting happily with his wife about the music he loved.