Home Instead Bromley Care Professionals Take Part in Successful Dementia Music Course

Supporting People Living with Dementia Through Music

Home Instead Bromley, Chislehurst & Orpington was delighted to take part in a successful course pilot teaching Care Professionals the benefits of music when supporting people living with dementia.

Music as Therapy International is a charity that trains caregivers to use music to strengthen care for people in vulnerable situations worldwide, including people living with dementia. Various studies over the years have found that music can help reduce feelings of stress and anxiety for people with dementia, evoke positive memories and help them communicate.

Keen to make a difference in the UK, the charity developed Music Helps. The pilot recruited 55 caregivers, and several of these were Care Professionals from Home Instead Bromley, Chislehurst & Orpington.

Participants completed an online course that introduced them to a whole range of knowledge and skills, including the relationship between music and memory, and using music to facilitate movement.

The course pilot was a huge success, with 100% of course graduates saying they would recommend it and the same number saying they were confident incorporating music into their future care provision.

One participant was Samantha Peck, a Care Professional at Home Instead Bromley. Commenting on the project, she said:

“Who doesn’t love music?! When I first heard about the course I knew it was something I should get involved with. I’ve always enjoyed singing and listening to music, but the course taught me so much I didn’t know, particularly how to use music to connect with someone living with dementia.

“I have applied these learnings to my role as a Care Professional. I had a client who, when I first met her, was incredibly shy. Singing during care visits, and playing instruments, I managed to get her personality to come out. She even plays on the toy keyboard I bring with me, which helps stimulate her hands. Her daughter is so impressed and even wants to undergo the course herself.

“It might sound funny that I always have a harmonica in my bag when I visit clients, but it really brings to life those who have dementia. Whether you have a loved one living with dementia or are a professional dementia carer, I would encourage you to undergo the course.”

Sarah Gribbin, Head of Learning and Development at Home Instead UK, said:

“Dementia is a complex condition, and we reflect that in the City & Guilds assured dementia training we offer Care Professionals. We teach a range of techniques that enable them to engage with people living with the condition. I’m delighted that several Home Instead Care Professionals have built on their skills and undergone the Music Helps course.

“At Home Instead, we pride ourselves on relationship led care, and over the years we have seen so many Care Professionals bond with clients through a shared love of music.”

At Home Instead Bromley, Chislehurst & Orpington, ongoing specialist training helps our Care Professionals continue delivering high quality, relationship led dementia care. Investing in opportunities such as Music Helps enables our team to build on their existing skills and discover new ways to create meaningful moments for clients and their families.

Keen to reap the benefits of Music Helps, more Home Instead offices are following in the Bromley office’s footsteps and encouraging Care Professionals to see what the course has to offer.

Elsa Hariades, Music Helps Coordinator, said:

“It’s so inspiring hearing what a difference Samantha has made to her clients since taking part in the course. There are so many stories like hers amongst our graduates.

“Music Helps is simple, interactive and full of practical tools you can use right away – and it’s free! The benefits of music for people living with dementia are well known, but it can also support so many aspects of caregiving. Music Helps makes this knowledge accessible for everyone. I’d encourage anyone supporting someone living with dementia to sign up.”

Home Instead Bromley, Chislehurst & Orpington is committed to helping older adults live independently in their own homes through personalised dementia care and continuous professional development. By investing in specialist training such as Music Helps, our Care Professionals are equipped with practical techniques that can make a meaningful difference to the lives of clients and their families.

Find out more or sign up for the free Music Helps course: https://musichelps.training/