Music sessions hitting right note

A Highland musician has revealed how setting up an orchestra of care home residents can help dementia sufferers.

John McCruden, a cook at Bruach House carehome in Nairn, started running therapy sessions two years ago with residents, and several others from the nearby Carolton facility. Tambourines, harmonicas, drums, xylophones and maracas are played to famous backing tracks spanning all eras, and costumes – from war clothes to shiny Elvis Presley outfits – are worn by Mr McCruden to elicit memories.

Yesterday the 43-yearold, formerly a chef at the Chapter One restaurant in Forres, said it all started when he recorded 24 residents singing the 1939 classic World War II song We’ll Meet Again by Vera Lynn. Ever since he has been teaching them how to play different instruments, and last week a 30-piece orchestra performed in front of 80 people at the nearby Clubhouse Hotel.

Mr McCruden said that for him, it has been “amazing” to see how the playing of music has benefited residents with Alzheimer’s and dementia and says he would like to see other care homes across the region adopt something similar.

Staff at both homes have also joined in the fun by forming the harmonica playing Generation Blues Band. Another public performance with both groups has been planned for next Friday evening in the Clubhouse Hotel. Last week’s event raised £815 for the residents’ fund.

John McCruden gets the residents involved