Two and a half years ago, Activity Co-ordinator Liza Street attended an Alzheimer’s Society ‘Sing for the Brain’ training session as part of the home’s commitment to incorporating music in to the lifestyles of the residents. The home has not looked back and, since then, have enjoyed monthly ‘Sing for the Brain’ sessions within the home.
The Queens Court Choir
When Covid-19 restrictions on visitors meant the sessions and other musical entertainers would need to be temporarily paused, the team at the residential dementia and nursing care home knew residents would miss the engagement and connection music brings and so decided very quickly that an alternative was needed – and so, the QC (Queens Court) Choir was born!
The choir meet bi-weekly, and enjoy practising an array of songs from different genres, each song chosen by residents or staff, and all of which have a particular special meaning for that individual. Even Christmas favourites are included, which can cause a few raised eyebrows when the choir belts out Jingle Bells whilst it’s 28 degrees outside!
The QC Choir practices are full of music, singing, instruments, laughter, smiling and dancing. Memories are shared and emotions are evoked when reminiscing about each song performed. After each practice, the uplifting effect is reflected in the mood of the residents for hours or days thereafter.
Although a deep love of music is a common theme for residents in the Buckhurst Hill based care home, the response to the choir was even more positive than expected – so positive that the QC Choir and their practice sessions are now a permanent fixture in the activity schedule.
Activity Co-ordinator Liza shared “So let’s talk about music, our residents love music. Whether it is singing, listening or playing, and it doesn’t matter what kind or what time of day, they just love music. Music has played such an important part over lockdown as it brings residents together, they are not alone, they are away from the TV and News, and they are having fun. It’s a couple of hours of singing and laughing. They also don’t mind the tea and cake that comes out after practice too! So, yes, we may not get on Britain’s Got Talent for our musical skills, but we definitely feel we could win any competitions for having as much fun as possible!’
