Music to their ears: Francis Court celebrates successful open day

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Jul 18, 2019

There were celebrations all round when the team at Francis Court welcomed the local community in for a day of art-themed fun and games.

The team at Francis Court were joined by local people for Care Home Open Day, a countrywide initiative set up to develop lasting relationships between care homes and local communities, and to dispel common myths about care home life.  

This year’s theme celebrated the role of arts within care, which is important in encouraging residents’ self-expression, and helps to create meaningful experiences.

Residents and visitors enjoyed a music-themed party with performances from a jazz band, and saxophonist and clarinettist, Carol Baker. Visitors were also treated to a live magic show, where guests were amazed by the tricks on display. 

Mary Ann Ballesteros, home manager at Francis Court, said: “Music can have many therapeutic benefits for older people – especially those living with dementia – by offering them a way to communicate and express themselves, while also triggering happy memories from their younger years and the associated emotions. 

“Our event to mark Care Home Open Day was a real conversation starter, and it was wonderful to hear so many stories from the residents’ memories of music and to see how much enjoyment everyone got from listening to live performances.”