Stratford-upon-Avon care home invites local community to special event

A care home in Stratford-upon-Avon is hitting the right note and inviting the local community to relax and unwind with a special music therapy session.

Every Friday, from 2.30pm-3:30pm, Care UK’s Ambleside, on Evesham Road, is inviting local people to join them as they take part in Music for Dementia. 

The session will offer older people, including those living with dementia and their carers, an opportunity to experience a taster of music therapy sessions on offer at Ambleside, and a chance to learn more about the associated benefits. 

The home’s team, who have extensive experience in caring for older people, will also be on hand to share tips and advice for supporting a loved one living with dementia. So far, the sessions have proven popular among residents, and team members are already starting to see the positive effects. 

Music is a daily part of life at Ambleside. Aside from the regular session, residents also have ‘memory boxes’ outside their bedroom, featuring memorabilia to represent the things that are meaningful to them. This now also includes a QR code that links to their favourite song – an initiative for which Dementia Champion Marianne Siviter, Staci Reeson, and Ana Jackson were awarded a regional GEM award.

Resident William Bacchus, aged 87, said: “I enjoy the sessions as I can express myself through music and it brings back lots of nice memories from the past. I like to listen to the singing and sing along when I can.”

Charlotte Levin, Home Manager at Ambleside, said: “We’re thrilled at the positive difference our sing-alongs have already had on residents, and so we’re delighted to be extending the invitation to the local community.

“Music can have many therapeutic benefits for older people, especially those living with dementia, by offering them an alternative way to communicate, while also bringing back happy memories from their younger years. ‘Music for Dementia’ has been designed to do just that – plus everyone here loves a sing-along!

“We are all looking forward to welcoming everyone, young and old, to the home for these sessions. Whether you’re musically inclined or are yet to hit the right note, we’d love to have you join us for singing, tea, and homemade cake.”

Ambleside is a state-of-the-art care home which provides full-time residential and dementia care, as well as short-term respite care. Designed to enable its residents to live enjoyable and fulfilling lives, the care home has its very own cinema, café and hair salon, and there is plenty of space, both indoors and out, for relaxation and recreation.