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Music Cares: A partnership approach maximising the value that professional orchestral players can bring to working in care homes and the community, supporting people affected by dementia, and their carers

Sue Pope

A unique partnership approach has enabled the (Orchestra of the Swan - OOTS) and music for dementia charity (Mindsong) to deliver successful programmes of therapeutically informed music sessions to people living with dementia in care homes and the community. As well as supporting residents, carers and families, the orchestra’s links with the local NHS Trust and a new local (OOTS)-led Dementia Arts Network helps signpost service users to additional opportunities across the area. Underpinning all activity is the training and ongoing mentoring of the (OOTS) team of professional musicians by (Mindsong’s) music therapists. Induction (just two players at a time) includes dementia awareness training, discussing suitable repertoire, and using music to connect with people whose verbal communication has declined. After role play, a visit to a local care home gives players the opportunity to try out their skills. Players are encouraged to reflect on experiences encountered during each session and protected time is allowed for this, ensuring their own wellbeing is prioritised. Three-quarters of the orchestra have already been trained; in the last two years 164 sessions have been delivered to around 1000 people. The success of the programme lies not only in the many positive responses from residents, relatives, and care staff, but also in the passion and enthusiasm it has inspired in the musicians, as they move away from pure performance to a more person- centred approach. Such heart-warming responses reinforce our shared belief that music really does help people to live well with dementia. The presentation will be given by Sue Pope, OOTS Learning Manager and will focus on what makes this project unique and offer it as a model of best practice for professional musicians doing this work.