Improving Mental Health In Care Homes Through Singing

Surely we all know how big of an impact music can have on our feelings, and our wellbeing? It’s something our amazing teams are using to their advantage in providing the best standards of care.

Theresa Doody, the Lifestyles Manager at Birchwood Heights Care Home in Swanley, introduced the ‘Singing for the Brain’ initiative at the care home, and said it boosted the mood of both residents and staff ever since. 

The singing initiative aims to support individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease and their caregivers, as well as the wider community. After being trained by the Alzheimer’s Society, Theresa has seen a drastic improvement in the morale of residents since the singing solution was introduced. 

Singing therapy has been proven to be highly effective for residents who struggle with symptoms of dementia and anxiety. 

Theresa says that the singing has been helpful for the home during ‘sundowning periods’, a particularly difficult time of day where residents can get confused and agitated. However, these residents, who sometimes struggle with regular conversation, are often able to remember song lyrics and join in with the group. 

Sessions were scheduled for 4pm, a time when the care homes noticed sundowning behaviour to be most prevalent, and staff have noticed a difference in residents’ behaviour. Staff will sing along the corridors while guiding residents to the dining room at 5pm, which sees more successful results than when using verbal encouragement alone. 

The suggestion to bring Singing for the Brain to Birchwood Heights was the brainchild of Theresa and previous care home General Manager Harry, after noticing how popular regular sing-alongs were at the home. 

The care home team focus more on ensuring everyone who joins in the singing sessions is having fun and gaining confidence, rather than on natural singing ability. Similar to open-mic karaoke nights, the focus is on enjoyment, not perfection. No one wants to feel like they’re doing karaoke with Adele – even if they sing the wrong lyrics, joining in is all that counts. 

The training encourages acapella singing, and sessions don’t need any special equipment, printed lyrics or screens, allowing residents with vision problems and those with varying abilities to also take part. 

The benefits of the singing therapy sessions have been incredibly helpful, both physically and mentally for those who take part. Singing provides many physical health benefits, as it exercises the lungs and diaphragm, as well as offering mental health benefits and boosting confidence. 

Music is a powerful tool in memory care and in supporting residents who struggle with coherent conversations due to dementia and Alzheimer’s, often triggering memories and helping connect residents and staff. 

Theresa has also noticed that while singing, the physical connections that evolve from the sessions are often emotional and heartwarming to see, even for staff. Residents can be seen holding hands while singing, connecting during sessions without the need for verbal communication; they are able to connect through music. 

The singing therapy not only benefits the residents, but also the staff, as singing releases endorphins similar to exercising, which creates an overall positive environment throughout the home. 

Well done to Theresa and the team for such a fantastic initiative – we hope you don’t mind us singing your praises! You can listen to the full podcast with Theresa here.