Music Unlocks Memories as Our Dementia Choir Visits Sandwood Care Home
Residents at Sandwood Care Home in Sherwood enjoyed an uplifting afternoon of music and nostalgia with a visit from Our Dementia Choir, who performed a selection of much-loved classic songs.
As a specialist dementia care home for 31 older people, Sandwood places a strong emphasis on using music as part of everyday life. The visit from Our Dementia Choir was therefore a fitting addition to the home’s activities programme, celebrating the unique ability of music to spark memories, encourage conversation and bring people together.
The performance formed part of Sandwood’s celebrations marking the 70th anniversary of the not-for-profit Abbeyfield Living Society, which operates the home.
Our Dementia Choir, which first captured the public’s imagination through a 2018 BBC documentary fronted by Nottingham actress Vicky McClure, champions the therapeutic benefits of music for people living with dementia.
Sandwood residents swayed along to familiar favourites, with many recalling every word to songs they hadn’t heard in years. They tapped their feet to Yellow Submarine and waved their arms to We Are the Champions, while Sweet Caroline provided an opportunity for them to sing along, with the home’s staff also joining in. The choir also performed a selection of timeless songs from classic musicals such as Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin’, Getting to Know You and You’ll Never Walk Alone.
Resident Maria said: “I enjoyed singing along with the choir, especially my favourite song, That’s Amore. It reminded me of my Italian roots and made me feel so happy inside!”
Sandwood Activity Coordinator Mel Spouge arranged the visit to highlight the positive impact music can have on people living with dementia.
Mel said: “Music has an incredible ability to reach people living with dementia in ways that words sometimes can’t. Watching our residents sing along, remember lyrics and simply enjoy the moment was incredibly moving. We’re so grateful to Our Dementia Choir for giving everyone such a special afternoon.”
The choir were well-supplied with refreshments prepared by the Sandwood team, and ice cream at the end gave residents and performers the opportunity to chat together.
They also posed for photographs with Abbey the Bear, who has become a familiar face at Abbeyfield’s 70th anniversary celebrations taking place at the organisation’s network of care homes, sheltered housing schemes and independent living communities for older people across the country.
Our Dementia Choir’s performance was one of several events planned at Sandwood to celebrate Abbeyfield’s milestone anniversary, following the home’s community mosaic project for Sherwood Art Week earlier this year.
Mel added: “Days like this remind us that living with dementia doesn’t stop people enjoying music, making memories and sharing these wonderful moments together.”
