A Life Enriched by Music & the Arts
At Fernhill, music and the arts aren’t just activities, they’re daily moments of connection, comfort, and expression. Whether through a familiar song, a quiet brushstroke, or shared rhythm, creative experiences help residents reconnect with themselves and those around them, even when words are no longer easy.
Led by trained professionals and supported by our dedicated team, every session is gently guided, person-centred, and thoughtfully adapted to each resident’s needs and pace.
Why Music and Art Matter in Dementia Care
Music and the arts offer far more than entertainment. For someone living with dementia, they can unlock memories long thought unreachable, offer comfort in times of confusion, and gently restore a sense of self. A familiar melody may bring a smile before words can, while a brushstroke or rhythm can express what conversation no longer can.
These creative experiences help residents connect, with their own story, with those around them, and with the present moment. They promote calm, encourage expression, and offer reassurance through familiarity and rhythm. Even when language fades, music, movement, and colour remain, quietly bridging the space between memory and emotion.
More Than an Activity – Part of Daily Life
Creativity isn’t reserved for special occasions. In our homes, it’s part of how we care.
You might walk past a lounge and hear singing, see someone sketching a seaside memory, or notice the quiet focus of a resident arranging flowers. These moments are part of the natural flow of each day, familiar, calming, and personal.
Our approach includes:
- One-to-one music and arts sessions for comfort and connection
- Group singing, rhythm, and movement to lift energy and mood
- Creative arts such as painting, drama, poetry, and storytelling
- Gentle encouragement and space for expression at each person’s pace
“The home provides many opportunities for residents to enjoy interests such as music and art.” – S S, Daughter of Resident at Fernhill
Led by Our Music & Arts Partner
Fiona Pritchard, our Music and Arts Partner, brings both professional training and heartfelt insight. With a Master’s in Dementia Studies with Arts and Activities, Fiona works closely with each of our homes to shape experiences that are enriching, therapeutic, and deeply respectful.
Her tailored sessions include:
- Singing and rhythm activities that energise and unite
- Personalised listening and calming musical routines
- Creative storytelling, poetry, and memory-inspired art
- Support for staff and families to continue the experience
Fiona’s work is grounded in research and delivered with warmth.
Performances That Spark Joy and Connection
Alongside the daily support of our Companionship Team, we regularly welcome carefully chosen local performers into the home.
From live musicians to gentle storytellers, each visit is thoughtfully selected with our residents in mind, familiar songs, calming tones, and meaningful engagement that can stir memories, soothe anxieties, or simply bring a smile.
Because our teams know each resident well, we tailor performances to the rhythms and preferences of the home. We listen to feedback, adapt accordingly, and invite back those who truly connect. For some, it’s a toe-tap or a hum; for others, it’s the comfort of simply being in the room as music fills the air.
It’s not about putting on a show. It’s about creating moments of warmth, recognition, and shared humanity.
“Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.” – Pablo Picasso
Painting Therapy
Painting develops creativity, supports emotional wellbeing, improves memory and concentration, relieves stress and encourages communication. We understand how important this is to our residents, and make sure that regular opportunities for drawing and painting are included in our activity schedule.
Arts & Crafts
Arts and crafts brings people together, and can help us cope with anxiety, depression and negative feelings. Pottery, knitting, crocheting and crafting are just some of the activities residents enjoy throughout the year, often focussing on seasonal and religious holidays.
Music is Life Itself
Enjoy a selection of snaps of music lifting souls across the Colten Care family of care homes.
Avril having a dance with fellow residents and Companions
Residents performing at our Poole Park pop-up choir
Gill and St Catherines View Home Manager, Vanda, enjoying African Culture Day
Ron joining in with the Diamond Divas Choir
Elizabeth and her daughter enjoying a Best of Broadway performance by Tickled Pink Productions
The Kingfishers resident’s choir performing with Music and Arts Partner, Fiona
Liz and Companion Phil singing a duet
Gwen and Senior Care Lead, Priscilla, getting ready for a ‘Grease’ sing-along
Jack and Companion, Rose, performing at the Lymington Pop-Up Choir
Residents enjoying a ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ style performance
Robert keeping the beat for a Chinese dragon performance
Residents and Companions dancing the afternoon away
Dawn cardio drumming
Mary and Colten’s Music and Arts Partner, Fiona, singing a duet
Keep Exploring
Nutritious Mealtimes
Food and drink are critical to our well-being in so many ways. Our chef will provide a diet that is not only full of choice, but is also wholesome, nutritious, well-balanced and right for our residents.
Hobbies & Interests
We understand that staying physically and mentally active can have a profound effect on our wellbeing. Our home has a dedicated Companionship Team whose role within the home is to plan, organise and deliver an exciting and engaging programme of activities specifically tailored to the wishes of residents be that in large groups, small groups or simply one on one time.
Minibus Trips
Our home has regular access to one of Colten Care’s modern and well-equipped minibuses. The professional drivers liaise with the Companionship Team and residents to understand their preferences and provide access through half-day or full-day trips, getting out and about to enjoy the local sights, often taking packed-lunches, snacks, hot coffee and tea.
Your Garden
Many of our residents have enjoyed a love of gardens and gardening throughout their lives. To ensure this passion continues, we strive to make our outdoor living spaces accessible, interactive and stimulating and encourage residents to take a keen interest in the gardens.
Housekeeping & Maintenance
We take care of the daily housekeeping and maintenance responsibilities so our residents don’t have to. Feeling warm and safe in our homes and having peace of mind are just two of the benefits our residents enjoy from the personally tailored care we provide.
We’re Here For You
Whether you’d like an initial chat about the care we provide, you have a question about our all-inclusive fees, or you’d like more information about our beautiful home, we’re here to help.