Basingstoke care home invites locals to innovative new singing scheme

A care home in Basingstoke is hitting the right note with its new event.

On Wednesday 22^nd November from 10.30am-12pm, Care UK’s Dashwood Manor, on Bradley Way, is inviting local people to join them as they take part in an initiative to promote singing for older people. 

Care home team members, Leahanne Wilkinson and Sammi George, have both completed training enabling them to deliver ‘Singing from the Brain’ sessions. 

The innovative scheme, developed by the Alzheimer’s Society, aims to bring people together through music and singing. The sessions encourage older people, especially those living with dementia, to sing their favourite songs from decades gone by in order to improve cognitive functions. 

So far, the sessions have proven to be popular among residents, and team members are already starting to see the positive effects. 

Dil Perera, Home Manager at Dashwood Manor, said: “We are thrilled to be taking part in the ‘Singing for the Brain’ initiative. After seeing the benefit the sessions have had with residents, we are thrilled to be extending the invitation to the local community.

“Music can have many therapeutic benefits for older people, especially those living with dementia, by offering them an alternative way to communicate, while also bringing back happy memories from their younger years. ‘Singing for the Brain’ has been designed to do just that – plus everyone here loves a sing-along!

“We are all looking forward to welcoming everyone, young and old, to the home for these sessions and whether you’re musically inclined or have yet to hit the right note we’d love to have you join us for singing, tea, and cake.”

Dashwood Manor – which opened in September 2021 – is designed to enable residents to live active and fulfilled lives while also promoting independence. The new care home incorporates space for hobby and leisure activities with luxury facilities, including a café, hair and beauty salon, cinema, bar and gardens.