Live Music with The Plucking Pals

At Deeside Care Home, we’re always looking for new and engaging ways to enhance the quality of life for our residents. This month, we’re delighted to introduce The Plucking Pals, a wonderful string band who’ve joined the Deeside family, bringing the joy of live music into our home. They’ve already made a lasting impact, particularly for our residents living with dementia.

Music has the power to transcend words, reaching into the hearts and minds of those who may struggle to communicate in other ways. We’ve seen firsthand how music can lift spirits, spark memories, and create moments of connection. The introduction of music therapy through live performances like those from The Plucking Pals has become a part of life here at Deeside.

The Power of Music Therapy in Dementia Care

Music therapy is a powerful tool, especially when caring for those living with dementia. At Deeside Care Home, we understand how important it is to provide therapies that offer both cognitive and emotional benefits. Music is one such therapy, and it works on several levels.

Firstly, listening to music can stimulate cognitive function. Research has shown that music can improve memory, attention, and language skills—all of which are areas that can be affected by dementia. Music therapy has the ability to trigger memories, whether it’s a favourite song from childhood or a tune that reminds residents of happy times with their families. It’s always a joy to see a resident light up when a familiar song plays, as it brings them back to a time and place that holds special meaning.

Secondly, music helps to reduce anxiety and depression. For many of our residents, especially those living with dementia, there can be feelings of confusion or stress. The soothing sounds of a favourite melody can calm the mind, helping to lower stress levels and create a sense of peace.

But music isn’t just about listening. It’s also about bringing people together. Whether it’s tapping along to a beat, swaying in time with the rhythm, or singing together, music promotes social interaction in a way that words alone sometimes can’t. We’ve found that music creates moments of connection—not just between residents, but also with the care team and visiting families. It’s a shared experience that everyone can enjoy, regardless of age or cognitive ability.

A Welcome Addition to the Deeside Family

We were thrilled to welcome The Plucking Pals into our home, and they’ve already made a real difference. Their first performance was an hour of laughter, singing, and sheer enjoyment, with many of our residents joining in enthusiastically.

We were all absolutely delighted to hear live music fill the room. Our residents were tapping their feet and singing along to a few of the old favorites. This is exactly the kind of response we hoped for when introducing music therapy into our care routines.

We’d like to share a special message from Billy Kerr, the band leader of The Plucking Pals, who sent us this lovely message on behalf of the group:

“On behalf of the guys, l'd like to thank you all for inviting us into your lives for an hour this afternoon. We thoroughly enjoyed playing for you and listening to your wonderful singing. We’d also like to thank Donna for all her hard work and for looking after us so well. We're arranging a date in December to come and play some Christmas songs for you.”
- Ivor, Davie, John, Aaron, and Billy

Using Music Therapy to Enrich Daily Life

At Deeside Care Home, we’ve been exploring new ways to use music therapy, especially for those living with dementia. Some of the ways we’re incorporating music into daily life include:

• Playing residents’ favourite songs: Whether it’s the hits from their youth or tunes they’ve enjoyed throughout their lives, familiar music is always a great way to evoke memories and spark joy.
• Encouraging residents to sing along: Singing is a fantastic way to improve cognitive function and create a sense of community. Many of our residents enjoy joining in with their favourite songs, which helps them feel more connected to the group.
• Dancing to the music: Even a gentle sway or tapping a foot can be beneficial. Dancing improves coordination and physical movement, and it’s also a lot of fun!
• Playing musical instruments: We’ve been encouraging residents to join in by playing simple instruments like tambourines and maracas. This helps improve motor skills while adding to the enjoyment of the music.
• Creating music together: Whether it’s clapping along to the rhythm or playing an instrument, creating music allows residents to express themselves and enjoy a shared experience.
  

More Music to Come

The Plucking Pals will be back with us on 18th November, and we’ve got even more to look forward to in December when they’ll return with a festive selection of Christmas songs. At Deeside Care Home, we’re committed to enhancing the quality of life for all our residents. Introducing music therapy is just one of the ways we ensure that everyone feels valued, loved, and cared for. We look forward to sharing more of these joyful experiences with our residents and their families in the weeks to come.

If you’d like to learn more about how we use music therapy to support residents at our care home in Aberdeen, or if you’re interested in our upcoming activities, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. We’re always here to chat and provide more information about the care and services we offer.