Mayor sees how music and movement can benefit those with dementia

Cllr Maggi Clark visiting Davies Court care home to see for herself how people with dementia can benefit from their regular “movement to music” session, where specially-trained staff guide residents through gentle exercise set to music.

The main benefit is that residents are kept active, but music therapy has also been shown to be an effective part of dementia treatment, helping to soothe, stimulate and bring to mind long-forgotten memories.

Cllr Clark, said: “It was wonderful to attend the movement to music session and see how much the residents enjoyed it. 

“The dedicated and professional staff work so hard to keep the residents active in body and mind, and these sessions are a great way for residents to socialise and stay active.”

Earlier in the day, the Mayor also attended a Dementia Friends session at Springwell Gardens Community Centre organised by RotherFed. 

The sessions aim to give people a better understanding of dementia and the small things they can do to make a difference. 

Find out more about the Dementia Friends initiative and details of further local sessions at dementiafriends.org.uk.

Davies Court is also the first care home set to take part in the innovative 'Adopt a Care Home' scheme that will see children increase their awareness of dementia by learning about the condition in school before visiting the home to work on an activity with residents.

Cllr David Roche, Cabinet member for adult social care and health, said: “We are looking forward to launching this scheme in Rotherham. 

“The scheme allows children to learn more about dementia and how to behave around people with it. 

“Working with the children also has noticeable health benefits for people with dementia, so it's a real win-win arrangement.”

The scheme starts at the end of May, with children visiting residents in the home over a four-week period.