Care Home Residents Remember the Music in Dementia Awareness Week

Much loved music from the past will help stir memories and the imagination for more than 360 care home residents thanks to an iPod Amnesty event being staged by Morris Care Morris Care as part of their unique approach to caring for those living with dementia.

The leading care provider is launching an appeal with all its staff, their families and friends, for old and unused iPods to be donated to coincide with national Dementia Awareness Week 15-21 May 2016 Dementia Awareness Week .The devices will be restored and filled with music from different eras and genres so that residents in their care homes who are living with dementia can tune in to the music which provided a soundtrack to their lives.

The hope is that it will help stimulate the brain and unlock memories connected with the songs.

Research has shown that music can soothe, stimulate and even bring back forgotten memories. This research links with Morris Care’s Cedar Philosophy by offering an alternative form of therapy for residents living with dementia. The Cedar Philosophy was developed by Morris Care alongside the University of Stirling as a way of focusing on an individual’s holistic well-being and personal needs, not just their nursing requirements.

Alison Hearle, who has recently been appointed as Dementia and Social Life Lead at Morris Care said: “Part of my role is to develop and embed our Cedar Philosophy across all homes and the iPod Amnesty gives residents the opportunity to ‘remember the music’ and maybe even ignite a spark that could lead to the unlocking of a forgotten memory. This is a great example of how our Cedar Philosophy looks at every element of our residents’ well-being.”

“We are supporting Alzheimer’s Society Alzheimer's Society in its fight against dementia which is something close to our hearts. We really hope that we can further improve the quality of life for those living with dementia.”

The Amnesty is to be rolled out across all of Morris Care’s six homes and their head office on the Welsh Bridge in Shrewsbury on 15 May. All Morris staff, families and friends are being encouraged to dig out and donate their dusty old iPods and give them a new lease of life.

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For press information please contact Claire Brown on 01743 234224 / 07846 134551 or email clairebrown@morrisandco.com

Notes to editors:

As an established family business, Morris Care proudly celebrates 25 years of clinical care and excellence across its six care homes within Shropshire and Cheshire.
For more information on Morris Care visit www.morriscare.co.uk.Morris Care