The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Care homes’ new music programme
Several care home residents across Scotland are set to benefit from a new programme that has proved the benefits of music and movement to elderly people.
The award-winning Balhousie Care Group is extending the project to its 26 care homes following a successful pilot trial in 10 homes, including in Coupar Angus.
The group began working with online music and movement provider, dancesing Care, earlier this year as part of a study with Stirling University into how to improve healthy ageing.
The study, conducted by a team from the university’s faculty of health sciences and sport, followed 47 Balhousie Care Group residents over a period of 12 weeks and tracked improvements in their mental, emotional and physical wellbeing.
Karen Johnson, quality director at Balhousie Care Group, said: “The changes to our residents’ wellbeing were notable.
“They looked forward to these online sessions. It bonded them as residents and it brought them closer to staff, too.
“We are so impressed that we decided to extend this to all of our homes, starting immediately.”
One of the homes that took part in the study was Balhousie Coupar Angus, with activities co-ordinator, Patrycja Dwojak, leading the sessions.
Patrycja said: “The
sessions are about more than standing and sitting exercises.
“The music and the bespoke radio shows and concerts sparked memories.
“That has a big impact on our residents’ health, both physical and mental.”
Morag Shea, home manager at the care home, said: “The dancesing Care sessions have become quite
the event for us. We make a space in one of the lounges, and the number of participants has been growing.
“With all the activity, excitement and music, the feel-good effect extends to other residents and staff.
“I’m delighted that this will keep going and extend to other care homes in the group.”
Natalie Garry, from dancesing Care, added: “It has been an absolute pleasure to work with the Balhousie team.
“We are thrilled to be rolling out dancesing Care group-wide to improve wellbeing through music and movement, following positive resource evaluation in partnership with Stirling University.”