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How Music Supports Dementia Care at Colten Care

Backed by research and practical experience, music can be a powerful tool in dementia care. While we do not offer formal, registered “Music Therapy” as a clinical service, our dedicated teams use familiar songs, singing, rhythm, and movement to support memory, emotional wellbeing, and social connection for people living with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.

Unlike background music, our approach is intentional and personalised. Guided by our experienced care teams and led by our Music and Arts Partner, we weave music into daily life in our dementia care homes, selecting meaningful songs that spark memories, reduce agitation, and create genuine connections. Music at Colten Care is delivered through both group and one-to-one sessions, even when verbal communication becomes difficult.

What Does Music Mean in Dementia Care?

At Colten Care, music is much more than an activity, it’s a meaningful part of daily routines in our dementia care homes. Activities may include listening to familiar songs, singing, playing instruments, and movement-based rhythm exercises. Drawing on each person’s favourite music and memories provides comfort, stimulates conversation, and offers a powerful sense of connection.

We encourage families to share favourite songs or musical memories, so we can create personalised playlists for each resident.

A Song Shared at Linden House
A Song Shared at Linden House

The Benefits of Music in Dementia Care

Music is widely recognised as an effective, non-medical way to improve quality of life of people with dementia. Here are five key benefits:

Improves Memory and Recall

Familiar melodies can unlock long-term memories, helping residents reconnect with their personal history.

Supports Verbal Expression and Speech

Singing stimulates language areas in the brain, encouraging speech and communication, even for those with advanced dementia.

Enhances Mood and Emotional Stability

Music soothes anxiety, lifts low moods, and creates a calming effect during moments of confusion or distress.

Encourages Social Interaction

Group music sessions promote shared experiences, helping residents bond through rhythm, harmony, and familiar lyrics.

Reduces Agitation and Confusion

Personalised music and calming environments can ease behavioural symptoms, reducing the need for medication.

Our Approach to Music at Colten Care

At Colten Care, music is not confined to a weekly activity, it’s gently woven into the fabric of each day. Our team uses it with intention, whether in a quiet one-to-one moment to ease anxiety, or during a lively group singalong that lifts the energy of a whole room. Background music plays a role too, creating a soothing, familiar atmosphere in shared spaces.

By integrating music into everyday routines, we help residents feel calmer, more connected, and more comfortable, especially during times when verbal communication is challenging.

Why Personalised Playlists Matter

The most powerful music is personal. That’s why we build playlists around each resident’s own story, the songs they danced to in their youth, the hymns they once sang in church, or melodies that evoke cherished childhood memories.

We encourage singing, drumming, and even dancing when the moment feels right. But equally, simply listening, being surrounded by music that feels familiar, can offer profound comfort and connection.

Guided by a Music Therapist

Our music programme is led by Fiona Pritchard, our Music and Arts Partner. A registered Music Therapist with an MSc in Dementia Studies, Fiona brings a unique blend of clinical insight and creative skill to her work with residents and teams.

Working hand-in-hand with our care teams, she crafts tailored sessions that may include group singing, rhythm-based activities, and quiet individual listening. She also helps introduce creative arts, like storytelling, poetry, and drama, offering yet more ways to spark joy, expression, and connection.

Fiona’s presence helps ensure that music at Colten Care is not only engaging, but also deeply therapeutic.

Why Ongoing Music Engagement Matters

Research and our own experience show that music works best when it’s consistent, personalised, and integrated into everyday care, not just as a scheduled event. In all our dementia care homes, music is an important part of supporting residents to feel:

  • Emotionally connected
  • Supported by familiar routines

Everyday Musical Moments in Dementia Care

Music is central to how we support residents living with dementia at Colten Care. With the guidance of our in-house music and arts specialist, we integrate music into everyday routines, from lively group sessions to quiet, one-to-one moments.

It’s just one of the ways we deliver personalised, compassionate dementia care that supports emotional wellbeing, cognitive health, and a sense of connection.

Learn more about dementia care at Colten Care, or find out more about our dementia care homes below.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Music therapy has been shown to improve memory, reduce anxiety, support communication, and promote overall emotional wellbeing for people living with dementia.

Familiar, personally meaningful music, often from a person’s teens or twenties, is typically the most effective. These songs are deeply embedded in memory and can offer comfort and recognition.

Regular exposure works best. In our homes, music is part of daily life, available throughout the day and tailored to each person’s preferences.

Looking for dementia care with a strong focus on music and the arts?

Arrange a visit, contact our team, or explore our dedicated dementia care homes to see how we put music therapy into practice.

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