Chelsea care home hits the right note with music therapy

A care home in Chelsea is using music as an innovative approach to improve the lives of older people.

The team at Care UK’s Ellesmere House, on Nightingale Place, has implemented music therapy as part of the residents’ care plans, in conjunction with the ‘Music for Life’ project.

Initiated by local charity, Wigmore Hall Learning, the programme encourages interaction between people living with dementia and professionally trained musicians, who then host eight musical performances and interactive sessions, including singing and playing instruments, with the support of a dementia specialist.

Having completed the eight sessions with Inês, Lucy and Sam, who play violin, flute, and cello, the initiative is already having a positive effect on residents, especially those living with dementia. 

Team members at Ellesmere House are also now trained in music therapy, and these sessions will now become a regular part of life at the home. 

Margaret Kimathi, Home Manager, said: “A big thank you to the lead musicians Inês, Lucy and Sam, for eight weeks of wonderful music. We can already see how much of a difference music therapy is having on residents.

“Creative projects and music can have many therapeutic benefits for older people, especially those living with dementia, by offering them a way to communicate and express themselves, which can reduce isolation. 

“The music therapy sessions have proved to be a real success, and the results so far are beyond our expectations. Residents who normally wouldn’t leave their room actively took part in the sessions and even tapped their feet to the sound of the music – it was fantastic to see just how engaged they were! Many thanks to Wigmore Hall Learning for helping us implement these sessions at the home.”

Ellesmere House offers a full range of permanent residential care and short-term respite, including a café, hair and beauty salon, bar and cinema. The highly trained, professional team also delivers specialist dementia care.