Val’s story

Music therapy has been a source of joy for Val and her family

Val is 86 years old and living with vascular dementia. Coming to terms with her diagnosis wasn’t easy, and it brought a lot of uncertainty and change for her and her family. However, music therapy has become a source of hope and happiness.

During an ‘Experience Day’ at a local day centre, Val discovered music therapy and attended a large group session, which she thoroughly enjoyed. Though she’d never played an instrument before, she’d always enjoyed listening to music, especially Mozart, and remembered dancing to rock and roll and jive in her younger days.

Music makes me feel happy, it lifts me up altogether.

Val

Val began attending group sessions where she explored singing and playing various instruments. She especially enjoyed encouraging others in the group to play the glockenspiel, happily sharing the instrument with them.

As her enthusiasm grew, Val began one-to-one piano sessions with music therapist Pam. Together, they often improvise and play a variety of musical styles – this always includes blues music, which never fails to make Val smile. Their sessions are filled with laughter, and Val’s daughter and grandchildren often arrive before the session ends and get to see how much fun she’s having.

Music was never so important as it is now to mum.

Jane, Val’s daughter

Music has become part of Val’s daily life, as well as her identity. She can often be found tapping out her favourite tunes at the kitchen table, long after her sessions have ended. And music has made a big difference to how she feels: “it lifts me up,” she often says.

There have even been physical benefits of piano playing for Val, who has difficulties with her mobility and joint health. This can lead to stiffness and numbness in her hands, which had made trying out other activities, like crafting, challenging. However, playing the piano has helped to exercise her hands and finger joints, keeping them mobile.

The positive impact of music therapy has extended to Val’s family too, with her daughter Jane sharing how it’s helped to shift their focus. Life is no longer just about hospital appointments, tests, and diagnoses – they now talk about and celebrate Val’s love of music.

Watch Val during her music therapy session with music therapist Pam, below.