SINGING FOR DEMENTIA
Abigail first saw the magic of music and dementia when she was a student nurse in 2001. A gentleman with Lewy Bodys dementia hadn't spoken for over a year, but when he heard a singer perform a song which was familiar to him, this gentleman came back to the present for a few minutes, long enough to communicate and write notes for his wife to read when she came to visit. It was a deeply moving experience for all involved and one that has stayed with Abigail since.
Abigail has spent the last 10 years as lead singing facilitator for many charities and music groups, including Music for the Memory and Age UK. Music gives an opportunity for staff and carers to be with their wards in an activity which is more about expression than task and allows a healing process to occur. The result of this is more confidence for the person with dementia in using their voice and in their memory, and often when paired with movement, a better sense of co-ordination. Please see the videos above and below for some of the projects Abigail has been involved in.
Abigail is also happy to visit individuals living with advanced dementia, where language impairment and challenging behaviour is present.
If you are interested in speaking to Abigail about organising an activity a workshop or a project involving people living with dementia please get in touch.
CONSULTANCY
If you would like to talk about how to make music an integral part of your care centre, home, or organisation, Abigail can visit for an initial assessment, and then work with you to plan, support and grow the musical activities and staff confidence in providing them at a pace and level that is right for you. Please get in touch for more information and to see what you need.
