‍1. Getting comfortable with Radio

• First, ask the person if they would like to share some music together. If so, think about the most appropriate station for them and ensure that the radio is tuned in correctly
• If the person that you are listening with would prefer to use a simple, physical radio, there are a range of dementia friendly devices available such as Relish’s radio player
• Check if the individual or the people that you’re listening with have a hearing impairment; if so, check the volume setting on the hearing aids before every session. Make sure to ask for advice from a practitioner on how to do this if you’re not sure
• If using headphones, make sure that these fit properly. The listener should not be left alone whilst wearing headphones and they should know how to remove them
• When listening to commercial radio, be aware that the interruption of adverts can be disorientating. Perhaps fade down the volume during the adverts, creating space for conversation. You could also try listening to a dementia-focused radio station, such as Merseyside Dementia Friendly Radio or Sound Memories Radio, that doesn’t have adverts and minimal speaking

2. During listening, observe, engage and notice

• Listening to music together can spark interaction in the form of conversation, movement and eye contact, so it is important to observe how the person is responding 
• Take note of their range of expressions and responses, and how this is expressed. Look out for what music seems to interest them and what doesn’t. What seems to excite them or calm them? What encourages movement and contact?
• Encourage interaction by sitting in the individual’s line of sight and being available to make eye contact. Offer your hand if they want to make contact or join them in movement, mirroring or dancing with them

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What are you noticing? 

Music has the power to transport us to other times and places. Often this can create real joy but sometimes, it can evoke unwanted memories or feelings

• Know that any response to the music, both positive and negative, is a key aspect of self-expression. It is important that you try and understand the feeling behind the expression; for example, tears could indicate either a negative response, or joy
• If a piece of music appears to be causing distress, agitation or unhappy tears, reassure the person that you’re going to change the music. You could fade the music quickly to silence or transition to another song. You can always take a break and come back to the music
• Reassure the individual by sitting near them, holding their hand or using spoken communication. This can help to create a sense of closer connection during the moment
• Make space between songs with conversation, movement or sitting together in silence if that is comfortable for them
• Remember that the quality of the experience you are having is more important than the length of time you are listening for together

3. Keeping the music in mind

• Note any observations that you think would be important to share with others
• Was there a particular response to a song or piece of music or any comments the person made about their experience? Think about what worked, what didn’t work and what you might do differently next time
• Bring your time together to a close - thank the person for sharing music with you and make sure they are comfortable

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