Recommended for You

Discover the power of singing in delivering music care for dementia

Future

Venue

Group

X minutes to read

Singing is something we can all do to help in our journey with dementia, regardless of whether you think you can sing in tune or not. It can take all forms - from scat, rap, karaoke, chant, opera, pop, to beatboxing - the act of making sounds with our voices is one of our most powerful communication tools

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Why singing is an effective part of music care

‍

Humans have always embraced singing as a way of communicating, expressing ourselves and strengthening our connections with others. The benefits to both mind and body are plentiful

Physically, singing supports lung functioning and increases the flow of oxygen to help us relax; eases pain; bolsters our immune system; and improves posture

Mentally, singing can improve our mood through the release of ‘happy chemicals’; assist in a good night’s sleep; and enhance cognition, concentration and memory. It can also help with building connections and strengthening our bonds with others, increasing our sense of self and confidence

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Stock image of a woman singing and a man playing guitar at the back

Image from The Spitz

How to guide

Before we start, you are...

"How to" for People Living With Dementia:

Everyone can benefit from having a go, whether you are constantly singing around the house or if you think you can’t hold a tune!

‍

1. Don’t consider yourself much of a singer?

If you want to give it a try but aren’t quite sure where to start, try humming or la-la-sing along to a familiar piece in your own space
How does it make you feel? Can you feel your shoulders relaxing, are you taking deeper breaths, are you finding a smile spreading across your face?
Build up to singing a little more each day. It might be nice to work towards something - how about singing a whole song, or being able to sing with others? The Association of Teachers of Singing (AOTOS) can help you find a singing teacher local to you

2. Love to sing around the house?

Singing as part of your day might be something you do naturally. You might enjoy singing along to the radio, your playlists or with others. However you enjoy singing, don’t stop!
If you need help with finding lyrics, there are websites and apps, such as Lyrics Library that will help you to be able to sing along to your favourite songs. If you’re searching for a song, try Shazam and other apps such as Music Player, Soundhound and Musixmatch
When you’re singing along to favourite songs, make a note of them if they’re not already a part of your playlist. You might want to create a playlist especially for singing along to
You don’t have to be note or word perfect to express yourself. As long as you’re enjoying yourself, feel free to la-la at the top of your voice, slightly out of tune - that’s part of the fun!

‍

"How to" for Carers:

Singing as part of your day might be something you do naturally; whether that’s humming along to the radio as you get ready for your day or as a way to relax and release stress and tension

‍

1. Finding a connection through singing

Singing is about connecting with somebody and being in the here and now. Regardless of how you are using singing, try not to worry about getting the words right or singing in tune. You may even want to change the lyrics to personalise the song to the individual, or improvise the melody
Take note of responses to the singing. Knowing what worked, what didn’t work so well, and what a person’s favourite songs are can be incorporated into care plans and shared with others

2. Singing as part of everyday care

Try something as simple as humming a song as you deliver personal care, making it a more pleasant experience and providing a musical distraction
Use songs to create a moment in the day. Whether this is singing and drinking a cup of tea, or something more intentional such as setting out time to sit together and sing along to a playlist
Try incorporating movement with the singing! Look out for responses - toe tapping, clapping, whistling, hand gestures - how can you incorporate these into the activity? You could just hold hands and sway together, or try something more energetic

3. Singing to reassure when someone is anxious or agitated

When conversation is not available, singing can be a way to connect, reassure and soothe an individual
When you are singing with someone, think about where you are seated in relation to them. Can they see your face? Can they reach your hands if they want to physically connect?
Think about the volume and how you are singing. If you are trying to soothe and reassure, you may want to begin slowly and gently at a low volume, at an appropriate distance
Remember, you are trying to create a moment of ‘being with’ and not ‘doing to’ with your singing. Can you leave spaces in between phrases for them to join you or add their voice?
If they indicate they no longer want you to sing, stop immediately. Perhaps you can initiate a conversation and find out if there is something they need, such as a drink

4. Singing to motivate and inspire

Singing can also motivate and inspire. Are there moments in your day when some musical uplift could be helpful? This might be around mealtimes, encouraging movement and exercise, or a daily task
Your singing might take on a different quality - you might choose a more upbeat song, slightly louder, or be more animated in your gestures. Keep checking in to see what the response is and adjust if necessary
Singing is fun! Are there musical games you can play with songs to help stimulate cognition as well as create moments of joy? This could be ‘guess the song’ or ‘sing the next line’ - be playful!

5. Singing as performance

If you are inviting a singer into your care setting to perform, talk to them in advance about song choices and how they can incorporate residents’ choices. Speak to the residents beforehand about what music they would like to hear and why. The musician could consider dedicating the song to somebody, or inviting people to sing alongside them
With the performer, consider the practicalities of the session. Some things to consider are: space required, volume of performance, instrument set-up, creating space between songs, how residents will be engaged, how long the session will last, who will be on hand for support, and what do they need help with to get the most out of the session

‍

"How to" for Musicians:

As a musician you can play a valuable role in supporting others to use singing as part of good dementia care. You can help to normalise the use of music in care by sharing your skills, helping to boost people’s confidence about giving singing a go, and modelling how to use music!

‍

1. Encouraging carers to use singing as part of their care

Work alongside a carer to look at moments in their day and identify where music might be able to help
Find out what they like or dislike about singing. If they already love singing, how can you help them to use it more? If they aren’t keen or feel shy about using their voice to connect, can you give them simple ideas about how they can become more comfortable? This could involve finding one song that becomes their song that they feel comfortable singing with others
Talk to carers about how singing can support their health and wellbeing; reducing stress, releasing feel good hormones and helping to improve mood
Talk to carers about how to look after and use their voices in different ways, depending on the circumstance
Remember that not everybody is confident with singing! Remind people that connecting with others through singing is something that we can all do, regardless of what we think of our voices

2. Singing as part of working in a care setting

If you are working in a care setting, think about whether there might be particular residents who would benefit from singing with you. Could you work with the staff team to build in a singing session with a resident? This could be quite informal, over a cup of tea, or at a regular time each week where you might use their playlist as a guide
Check in with care staff and share what worked and what didn’t work so well. Make a note of the songs sung so that staff can be encouraged to use them in their own care plans

3. Singing as performance

If you are performing for residents, talk with the staff team in advance about your song choices. Are there songs from their playlists that can be incorporated into your set list? Are there particular residents who will want to join in? Think about how you can make the performance more of an interactive session to engage and stimulate participation
Think with the staff team about the practicalities of the session. You may want to consider the space, volume, any instrument set-up required, creating space between songs, how they will engage with residents, how long the session will last, who will be on hand to support with the session, and what they need to help make it the best possible experience for everyone participating
Be creative and imaginative with your session - bring it to life by creating a sense of occasion and celebration. You can find some helpful practical tips from the Social Care Institute for Excellence

‍

Discover the power of singing in delivering music care for dementia

Future

Venue

Group

5 minutes to read

‍

Why singing is an effective part of music care

‍

Humans have always embraced singing as a way of communicating, expressing ourselves and strengthening our connections with others. The benefits to both mind and body are plentiful

Physically, singing supports lung functioning and increases the flow of oxygen to help us relax; eases pain; bolsters our immune system; and improves posture

‍

Image from The Spitz

How to guide

Before we start, you are...

"How to" for People Living with Dementia

Everyone can benefit from having a go, whether you are constantly singing around the house or if you think you can’t hold a tune!

‍

1. Don’t consider yourself much of a singer?

If you want to give it a try but aren’t quite sure where to start, try humming or la-la-sing along to a familiar piece in your own space
How does it make you feel? Can you feel your shoulders relaxing, are you taking deeper breaths, are you finding a smile spreading across your face?
Build up to singing a little more each day. It might be nice to work towards something - how about singing a whole song, or being able to sing with others? The Association of Teachers of Singing (AOTOS) can help you find a singing teacher local to you

2. Love to sing around the house?

Singing as part of your day might be something you do naturally. You might enjoy singing along to the radio, your playlists or with others. However you enjoy singing, don’t stop!
If you need help with finding lyrics, there are websites and apps, such as Lyrics Library that will help you to be able to sing along to your favourite songs. If you’re searching for a song, try Shazam and other apps such as Music Player, Soundhound and Musixmatch
When you’re singing along to favourite songs, make a note of them if they’re not already a part of your playlist. You might want to create a playlist especially for singing along to
You don’t have to be note or word perfect to express yourself. As long as you’re enjoying yourself, feel free to la-la at the top of your voice, slightly out of tune - that’s part of the fun!

‍

"How to" for Carers

Singing as part of your day might be something you do naturally; whether that’s humming along to the radio as you get ready for your day or as a way to relax and release stress and tension

‍

1. Finding a connection through singing

Singing is about connecting with somebody and being in the here and now. Regardless of how you are using singing, try not to worry about getting the words right or singing in tune. You may even want to change the lyrics to personalise the song to the individual, or improvise the melody
Take note of responses to the singing. Knowing what worked, what didn’t work so well, and what a person’s favourite songs are can be incorporated into care plans and shared with others

2. Singing as part of everyday care

Try something as simple as humming a song as you deliver personal care, making it a more pleasant experience and providing a musical distraction
Use songs to create a moment in the day. Whether this is singing and drinking a cup of tea, or something more intentional such as setting out time to sit together and sing along to a playlist
Try incorporating movement with the singing! Look out for responses - toe tapping, clapping, whistling, hand gestures - how can you incorporate these into the activity? You could just hold hands and sway together, or try something more energetic

3. Singing to reassure when someone is anxious or agitated

When conversation is not available, singing can be a way to connect, reassure and soothe an individual
When you are singing with someone, think about where you are seated in relation to them. Can they see your face? Can they reach your hands if they want to physically connect?
Think about the volume and how you are singing. If you are trying to soothe and reassure, you may want to begin slowly and gently at a low volume, at an appropriate distance
Remember, you are trying to create a moment of ‘being with’ and not ‘doing to’ with your singing. Can you leave spaces in between phrases for them to join you or add their voice?
If they indicate they no longer want you to sing, stop immediately. Perhaps you can initiate a conversation and find out if there is something they need, such as a drink

4. Singing to motivate and inspire

Singing can also motivate and inspire. Are there moments in your day when some musical uplift could be helpful? This might be around mealtimes, encouraging movement and exercise, or a daily task
Your singing might take on a different quality - you might choose a more upbeat song, slightly louder, or be more animated in your gestures. Keep checking in to see what the response is and adjust if necessary
Singing is fun! Are there musical games you can play with songs to help stimulate cognition as well as create moments of joy? This could be ‘guess the song’ or ‘sing the next line’ - be playful!

5. Singing as performance

If you are inviting a singer into your care setting to perform, talk to them in advance about song choices and how they can incorporate residents’ choices. Speak to the residents beforehand about what music they would like to hear and why. The musician could consider dedicating the song to somebody, or inviting people to sing alongside them
With the performer, consider the practicalities of the session. Some things to consider are: space required, volume of performance, instrument set-up, creating space between songs, how residents will be engaged, how long the session will last, who will be on hand for support, and what do they need help with to get the most out of the session

‍

"How to" for Musicians

‍

1. Encouraging carers to use singing as part of their care

Work alongside a carer to look at moments in their day and identify where music might be able to help
Find out what they like or dislike about singing. If they already love singing, how can you help them to use it more? If they aren’t keen or feel shy about using their voice to connect, can you give them simple ideas about how they can become more comfortable? This could involve finding one song that becomes their song that they feel comfortable singing with others
Talk to carers about how singing can support their health and wellbeing; reducing stress, releasing feel good hormones and helping to improve mood
Talk to carers about how to look after and use their voices in different ways, depending on the circumstance
Remember that not everybody is confident with singing! Remind people that connecting with others through singing is something that we can all do, regardless of what we think of our voices

2. Singing as part of working in a care setting

If you are working in a care setting, think about whether there might be particular residents who would benefit from singing with you. Could you work with the staff team to build in a singing session with a resident? This could be quite informal, over a cup of tea, or at a regular time each week where you might use their playlist as a guide
Check in with care staff and share what worked and what didn’t work so well. Make a note of the songs sung so that staff can be encouraged to use them in their own care plans

3. Singing as performance

If you are performing for residents, talk with the staff team in advance about your song choices. Are there songs from their playlists that can be incorporated into your set list? Are there particular residents who will want to join in? Think about how you can make the performance more of an interactive session to engage and stimulate participation
Think with the staff team about the practicalities of the session. You may want to consider the space, volume, any instrument set-up required, creating space between songs, how they will engage with residents, how long the session will last, who will be on hand to support with the session, and what they need to help make it the best possible experience for everyone participating
Be creative and imaginative with your session - bring it to life by creating a sense of occasion and celebration. You can find some helpful practical tips from the Social Care Institute for Excellence

‍

Recommended for You

Discover the power of singing in delivering music care for dementia

Why singing is an effective part of music care

How to guide

1. Don’t consider yourself much of a singer?

2. Love to sing around the house?

1. Finding a connection through singing

2. Singing as part of everyday care

3. Singing to reassure when someone is anxious or agitated

4. Singing to motivate and inspire

5. Singing as performance

1. Encouraging carers to use singing as part of their care

2. Singing as part of working in a care setting

3. Singing as performance

Discover the power of singing in delivering music care for dementia

Why singing is an effective part of music care

How to guide

1. Don’t consider yourself much of a singer?

2. Love to sing around the house?

1. Finding a connection through singing

2. Singing as part of everyday care

3. Singing to reassure when someone is anxious or agitated

4. Singing to motivate and inspire

5. Singing as performance

1. Encouraging carers to use singing as part of their care

2. Singing as part of working in a care setting

3. Singing as performance

Resources for

Singing

Luminate

Association of Teachers of Singing

Music Teachers Association

Previous Article Title

Next Article Title

Recommended for You

Discover the power of singing in delivering music care for dementia

Why singing is an effective part of music care

How to guide

1. Don’t consider yourself much of a singer?

2. Love to sing around the house?

1. Finding a connection through singing

2. Singing as part of everyday care

3. Singing to reassure when someone is anxious or agitated

4. Singing to motivate and inspire

5. Singing as performance

1. Encouraging carers to use singing as part of their care

2. Singing as part of working in a care setting

3. Singing as performance

Discover the power of singing in delivering music care for dementia

Why singing is an effective part of music care

How to guide

1. Don’t consider yourself much of a singer?

2. Love to sing around the house?

1. Finding a connection through singing

2. Singing as part of everyday care

3. Singing to reassure when someone is anxious or agitated

4. Singing to motivate and inspire

5. Singing as performance

1. Encouraging carers to use singing as part of their care

2. Singing as part of working in a care setting

3. Singing as performance

Resources for

Singing

Luminate

Association of Teachers of Singing

Music Teachers Association

Previous Article Title

Next Article Title

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