Dementia charity is in tune with playlist
FOR Ca r o l , who h a s dementia, putting on her playlist means the chance to “sing and dance around”. Sandra’s husband David has almost lost his speech – but when she plays his songs, it comes back, and he sings along.
Meanwhile, at the Darnley Court Care Home in Glasgow, residents have come up with some excellent musical baking puns... Bananarama Bread, anyone? Rolling Scones?
Playlist for Life, founded by former Glasgow Times Scotswoman of the Year Sally Magnusson, has launched its Musical Tea fundraising initiative to help raise awareness of the power of music in helping people with dementia.
With regular coffee mornings still unable to take place, the team is now encouraging people to connect through music – either virtually, socially distanced or with members of their own household – to raise funds for people living with dementia.
Playlist for Life was founded in 2013 by writer and broadcaster Sally Magnusson based on research showing that “personal music” – the specific tunes attached to someone’s emotions that spark memories – can help those living with dementia by alleviating stress, managing symptoms and strengthening relationships with family members and carers.
Sandra McCallum cares for her husband David, who lives with dementia and aphasia. The couple, who live in Bishopbriggs, created a playlist which included We’ve Only Just Begun by The Carpenters, their wedding song, and The Eagles to remind them of holidays in Daytona Beach.
Sandra said: “What I find amazing with the playlist is that David’s speech comes back and he sings along to some of the songs when he listens. It gives him a real boost. I think the playlists are a great idea for people living with dementia, who can sometimes forget who they are and what they used to enjoy.”
Carol and Malcolm Topper live in Lanark. Carol lives with dementia, and loves Playlist for Life.
“It is an absolutely wonderful thing,” she says. “When I’m sad or low or feeling grumpy, then Malcolm puts my playlist on and I’m up dancing and jumping and it’s absolutely wonderful.”
Darnley Court care home manager Louise Fulton said: “I’m so passionate about using music within our homes. It’s amazing to see how it can bring people out of their shells. There have been moments when some of our quieter residents have burst into song when we put ‘ I belong to Glasgow’ on.”