Are you looking to provide new activities for your residents, if so, why not try Sing for Joy in Care Homes? We also have seated dance, fitness and yoga here.
What is Sing for Joy?
We provide enrichment for elderly people through inclusive singing sessions. Gentle dance and movement are also provided.
We work in care homes and day centres. Our sessions enhance health and wellbeing. We also deliver for corporate events, hotels and special occasions.
About our singing sessions
Our singing sessions include:
- a sensitive mix of Musical Theatre songs
- jazz
- sing-a-along wartime songs
- National Anthems
- opera snippets
- fun anthems like Bring Me Sunshine from Morecombe and Wise.
We bring along props such as scarves, maracas and tambourines to encourage audience participation.
We sing in:
- the CHD Living chain
- Signature and Carebase chain
- privately run care homes
- Outreach centres
- hotels
- corporate and social events.
Arrangements for Care Homes
Generally, care homes book us at around 11am or 2pm. Synergy often coincide with birthday celebrations or special occasions, such as Jubilees or Christmas. In addition to this, we offer weekly sessions for enrichment.
We are especially experienced with:
- dementia and Alzheimer’s participants
- end-of-life patients
- people with bipolar disorder
- elderly residents.
We understand that participants have good days and bad days. However, they invariably respond to – and look forward to – singing. Residents often sing along and/or wave a scarf. They look forward very much to our classes, as they would to a family visitor.
Sing for Joy and Seniors
Our objective is to provide enrichment for older people. We want them to have fun in our inclusive singing sessions. Gentle dance and movement enhance memory recall, which boosts wellbeing.
Some of our residents have a very low range of movement but high mental ability; others have both mental and physical ability, while others are on palliative care. Some sessions are more interactive than others – effort is always made to connect on a personal level with each resident. We encourage them to join in no matter what their disability.
It’s not just about the singing, it’s about providing company and adding colour to an often-repetitive day.
How do participants benefit?
We have delivered in local care homes. Based on our experience, we know that singing and (where appropriate) a little gentle dancing definitely bring joy to the participants. We improve participants’ feelings of wellbeing and in turn enrich their families and carers, who find joy in their loved one’s happiness.
About our work
Our work has shown us that singing and dancing can have an extraordinarily positive impact on the health and wellbeing of participants. We bring them great enjoyment and leave them with lasting quality of life (as reported by staff and families).
We receive welcome feedback from the participants themselves, family members, staff and carers. The latter groups say they notice a significant increase in participants’ wellbeing, interaction, memory and recall. General responsiveness during and following our activities is also favourably commented on.
Research Findings
Studies including ‘Health and well-being benefits of Singing for Older People’ by Stephen Clift, Rebekah Gilbert and Trish Vella-Burrows demonstrate the advantages of singing. Studies published over the last 10 years show an improvement in the general health and wellbeing of participants. This includes those with long-term health conditions such as heart disease, stroke and dementia.
Studies show that dance brings joy to older people.
They also demonstrate that dancing provides great social, cognitive and emotional benefits.
Age UK recognises the many positive effects of singing for older people. This includes soothing them, stimulating them, and bringing to mind long-forgotten memories:
Bupa’s report on the health and wellbeing benefits of dance for older people is here:
http://www.cpa.org.uk/information/reviews/shall-we-dance-report.pdf
Dance benefits both the body and mind.
It helps to treat a number of health conditions including arthritis, Parkinson’s disease, dementia and depression. Participating in dance improves older people’s reaction times and cognitive performance. Dance can help with balance, and studies find that regular dancing can help prevent falls among older people.
How our classes enhance wellbeing
Even those with advanced dementia or Alzheimer’s may sing along and enjoy the ambience of our classes. This group often remembers the words and music even if they are no longer able to talk.
We have case studies showing residents with bipolar disorder or dementia recalling and singing all the words to ‘The White Cliffs of Dover’ or the National Anthem. While participants may withdraw some weeks, repeat visits result in improved behaviour overall.
Our team of singing and movement leaders
Our staff really get to know residents, who view us as friends. Participants look forward to seeing instructors regularly. Our superbly trained teachers are well-qualified:
- All have a degree in performing Arts/Musical Theatre
- Some have a Masters in Performing Arts
- Many are trained professional singers
- Some are trained in Bel Canto singing technique
- They have taken singing exams if appropriate
- A number have experience in West End musicals, function bands and other professional musical settings.
A Surrey activities coordinator states: ‘
We think you are awesome and have a gift that brings joy and happiness to the residents and the staff alike.’
Value for money
Synergy charges budget costs for enrichment activities. We provide outstanding value for money and are an industry leader in the field. Contact us to find out more, obtain a quotation or make a booking on: admin@synergydanceoutreach.co.uk
