New sing-a-long get togethers for people with dementia

A brand new opportunity for people with dementia is being launched in Bordon on 27 June. This is one of the first initiatives to be organised in conjunction with Dementia Friendly Whitehill and Bordon and participants are being encouraged to try it out. Singing for the Mind will take place weekly at 10.45am-12pm at the Beehive, Hogmoor Inclosure in Prince Philip Park.

Singing for the Mind is a weekly get together run by Right at Home Alton and Bordon in partnership with Whitehill and Bordon Community Trust and it uses singing to engage and stimulate people with dementia. Claire Skilton, Registered Manager at Right at Home Alton and Bordon explains the benefits of the sessions: “Enjoying music and the ability to sing and keep rhythm typically endure in dementia patients long after other things have left us. We have been running regular Singing for the Mind groups in several other local areas for some time and see people benefit and enjoy themselves week after week.”

There is no charge for taking part but the organisers welcome a small donation to cover costs. Tea and coffee will be available. There is no need to book, simply turn up and try it out.

Claire Skilton says that people with dementia respond well to the opportunity to sing along to familiar songs in the context of a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere. “One of our amazing CareGivers, Julie, will lead the session which includes a playlist of old and newer songs, all picked to appeal to participants because they are likely to be familiar or easy to join in with. Julie is extremely caring, lots of fun and brings bags of expertise in working with people with dementia - as well as a love of music. Do join her if you think it may benefit you or your loved one,” says Claire.

Singing with the Mind is based on the principle that music, and singing in particular, boosts brain activity. The Alzheimer’s Society promotes several benefits of music, including its potential to shift mood and manage stress, bring emotional closeness and evoke memories. Music and singing are thought to play an important part in slowing the progress of dementia.

Full details of the sessions are available on Right at Home’s website. Right at Home Alton and Bordon is a homecare provider with a team of CareGivers who offer a range of care services to people with health needs, disabilities or who are no longer able to live at home without extra support. Dementia Friendly Whitehill and Bordon is a community project that helps residents, businesses and organisations better understand dementia and the needs of people with the illness so that people with dementia are able to live more comfortably in their community.