Dementia singing group in Highland capital stimulates memories
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After Audrey Whyte’s mother was diagnosed with dementia, she found that joining in social activities became very restricted.
“There was nothing I could take her to which was specifically for people with dementia,” Mrs Whyte recalled.
“She loved music and singing – they were very important and after she died, I thought perhaps there should be some sort of a group in Inverness.”
It heralded the start of Sounds Familiar, the only singing group in the area dedicated to people with dementia, their families and carers and which has celebrated its 10th birthday.
Held twice a month at the Craigmonie Hotel in Annfield Road, Inverness, it usually draws in about 60 people although pre-pandemic the numbers were often closer to 90.
As the birthday celebrations get under way, the sound of happy and enthusiastic singing resounds around the room as everyone is encouraged to join in by Mrs Whyte, the music leader, and the eager and empathetic volunteers.
Upbeat renditions of Oh What A Beautiful Morning and Bring Me Sunshine follow the wistful By The Sleepy Lagoon – better known as the Desert Island Discs theme tune.
Although the words are displayed on a screen, people are invited to simply “la-la-la” if they prefer.
The atmosphere is relaxed and informal with much laughter while the tables are set out with tablecloths and vases of flowers to create a sense of occasion.
“My mother would have loved it,” reflected Mrs Whyte, a retired teacher, who maintained that singing together was therapeutic and beneficial for people with dementia as well as families and carers.
“It creates a feeling of belonging to a group.
“It stimulates memories. It stimulates feelings of wellbeing. It stimulates communication.”
Many families report an noticeable improvement in the mood of their loved ones afterwards which can last a day or so.
The well-prepared programme also incorporates movement and breathing exercises to accompany the songs while photographs are displayed on a screen to trigger memories and there is also the chance for dancing.
Those taking to the floor include Alex and Irene Mackay.
After Mr Mackay (86), a former company director, was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease two years ago, his wife has become his round-the-clock carer which she said can be very isolating.
Although the pair are keen ballroom dancers, they had not danced for about four years until recently joining the group.
“It has made a huge difference,” said Mrs Mackay (77). “It is something my husband looks forward to and it is very relaxing for me.
“It is something we both enjoy together.”
Sounds Familiar, which has welcomed 7500 attendees over the years, has seven musicians and 22 volunteers many of whom have been involved since the group started including Vera Nairn who turns 95 this month.
“What a difference it makes to people,” said Mrs Nairn who has played the piano since the age of eight.
“People come in through the door and may look fed up. By the time we sing, they are quite happy. Once they start singing, they don’t stop!
“People may have dementia quite badly but they respond in some way to the music.”
Aithne Barron (89) joined the group with her husband, John, after he developed Alzheimer’s disease and has continued to go along following his death a year ago.
She recalled the isolation after he developed the condition.
“You are stuck at home and you cannot really do anything,” she said. “I used to take him for a run in the car but eventually I couldn’t get him into the car.
“I brought him along and he loved it. It was lovely for me, too, to do something different.”
Carol Stevenson took her mother, Helen Mackenzie, to the group until she died in 2015.
Although her mother, who had vascular dementia, lived in a care home, it was a change of scenery and also helped with her emotional wellbeing.
“It was a good time for both of us to be together outside the care home,” Mrs Stevenson said.
“She loved all the songs and music. It was a social occasion and a very caring environment with everyone joining in.”
