Dementia and older age

All Autism Brain injury and neurological Dementia and older age Fundraising partners Learning difficulties Life circumstances and grief Medical and life-limiting illness Mental health Music therapy partners Our clients Our team

Val’s story

Val is 86 years old and living with vascular dementia - a diagnosis that brought uncertainty and change for her and her family. However, music therapy has become a source of hope and happiness.

Two people hold onto a xylophone during a music therapy session, playing music together as they share the instrument

Marie’s story

Marie lives with dementia in a care home in the North of England. Music therapy helps to bring her joy and unlock precious memories.

A person runs their hands over the keys of an electric keyboard.

Marion’s story

In the face of challenges caused by dementia, music therapy has helped Marion build trust and tap into her inner musician.

A music book sits open during a music therapy session.

Brydie’s story

Music therapy sessions gave Brydie, who lived with dementia, a place to connect with others and rediscover her sociable nature.

Stephen sits behind a drum during a music therapy session with Kate

Stephen’s story

Living with dementia affects how Stephen engages with people and the world around him. Music provides him with a space to connect, and a rare opportunity to take the lead.

Two people play the drum and tambourine during a music therapy session at NELFT Memory Clinic, one of our partner organisations.

Edward’s story

Music therapy has given Edward, who has Down’s Syndrome and dementia, a space to re-embrace his outgoing nature, and connect with others.

During a music therapy session, someone is seated. A person stands next to them with an acoustic guitar, reaching their hand towards them.

Upton Dene Residential and Nursing Home

Upton Dene Residential and Nursing Home is located in Chester. Part of the Sanctuary Care group, the home provides residential care, in addition to dementia, nursing and palliative care.

A selection of handheld bell instruments in bright red, yellow, orange, pink and blue are on top of a table next to a tambourine. The background of the image is deliberately blurred but there are some people sat down in front of a window.

Mary’s story

Mary is a woman in her nineties. She lives in a care home, where she began participating in both group and 1:1 music therapy sessions with Reuben, one of our music therapists.

A pair of maracas are held in the air during a music therapy session, as people excitedly join in the session.

May’s story

May is learning to use music with increased independence, to reflect on her emotions and thoughts in the moment.

With a drumstick in their hand, a person reaches towards a drum to play music during a music therapy session.

Andrew Cohen House Care Home

Andrew Cohen House Care Home is a 59-bed nursing and residential care home in Birmingham, which has been charity-run since 1993.

Two people sit side by side during music therapy at Dagenham Memory Clinic, making music with a drum and tambourine.

Dagenham Memory Service

Dagenham Memory Service is a memory clinic and care home within the North East London NHS Foundation Trust (NELFT).

Enable Glasgow

Enable Glasgow is a supported living service for adults. It provides support to 22 residents with learning disabilities, dementia and autism.

During a music therapy session, a music therapist sits down to play music on an acoustic guitar

Parkstone Connect Day Centre is a day service for adults in the local community with a wide range of support needs. Its aim is to improve lives and build independence by promoting an inclusive and empowering environment.

A music therapist plays music on their acoustic guitar, as they take part in a music therapy session

St Mary’s Care Centre

St Mary’s Care Centre is a 63-bed nursing home. It supports a variety of complex care needs, including dementia and early onset dementia, enduring mental health issues and brain injuries.