Music all in a day’s work at Balhousie Care Group
It’s not a bad day at work when you spend a large part of it listening to your favourite song tracks. But that’s just how Balhousie Care Group employees spent a day recently when they learned the benefits of music to people living with dementia. Sixteen care home staff from across the award-winning group gathered in Balhousie Monkbarns in Arbroath – one of Balhousie Care’s 25 homes across Scotland – to receive their latest training in the popular Playlist for Life, a programme launched by broadcaster Sally Magnusson for use in care homes, hospitals and the community. Sally founded Playlist for Life after seeing the positive effect music had for her mother, who was living with dementia. For Yvonne Manson, Balhousie Care Group’s dementia consultant, the effects of music on people living with dementia are “powerful”. Yvonne, current RCNi Leadership Award Winner and a UK leader in dementia in care homes, said: “I have seen several people with dementia with word finding and communication difficulties singing full songs, much to the shock of those around them. I have also seen people with dementia who are restless and walk sometimes at a great pace, getting comfort from the songs and sitting down to listen to them or slowing their pace as they walk. She added: “Family members have reported that their wedding song came on and the person with dementia reached out for their hand. There are too many examples to list but safe to say the effect of music on these residents is powerful, just as it is on all of us.” At Balhousie, Playlist for Life and personalised music are used in lounge areas and played individually to residents, using iPods and mp3 players. The playlists are created with the help of residents, family members, friends and staff and the programme is put in place by ‘dementia ambassadors’ – dedicated staff members who are trained to make sure Balhousie Care’s dementia strategies are delivered in each care home. When Paula Balfour, activities coordinator at Balhousie St Ronans in Dundee, used music therapy with resident Patsy Anderson recently, the results were immediate. Said Paula: “We played some of her favourite Elvis songs and in a matter of minutes Patsy, who has dementia, went from being tearful and anxious to engaged, talkative, playful and happy. She even joined us for a boogie around the office!” Yvonne Manson said: “Balhousie Care Group staff have taken the playlist idea and run with it. That includes all the people in the care home, from carers to domestic staff and volunteers. We’ve even had help from schoolchildren helping put together the playlists. I can’t say I’m surprised because music puts a smile on everybody’s face.” Paula Bain, training officer at Playlist for Life, said: “We’re delighted to see that Balhousie Care Group are having such great results using Playlist for Life with their residents. Introducing playlists can improve the experience of care for residents, families and care workers alike, and it’s clear that Balhousie are doing great work rolling it out across their homes.” To find out more about Balhousie Care Group visit www.balhousiecare.co.uk More on Playlist for Life is at www.playlistforlife.org.uk
Triple success for Balhousie Care Group at National Care Awards
Three exceptional people from Balhousie Care Group have been shortlisted for a National Care Award. Heather Smith, Yvonne Manson and Ross Balmer are finalists for the prestigious awards which recognises the very best of those working the care industry. As the Operations Manager at Balhousie’s Advanced Specialist Care Unit, Heather Smith has been shortlisted for the Learning Disability Services Manager award for the second year running. Yvonne Manson, who is a Dementia Nurse Consultant with the leading care home provider, is a finalist in the Care Leadership category. This accolade follows Yvonne’s success at the Royal College of Nursing’s RCNi Awards last July where she picked up an award for leadership. Finally, a relatively new addition to the Balhousie team, Ross Balmer, is a finalist in the Care Apprentice category at the National Care Awards. Joining Balhousie Dalnaglar care home in Crieff just over 18 months ago, Ross has found his vocation in the care sector and is currently working in a carer role while studying to become a nurse. Tony Banks, Chairman at Balhousie Care Group, said: “Everyone at Balhousie Care Group is immensely proud of our team members who have made this year’s National Care Awards final. It is wonderful to see individuals at various stages in their career making a real difference to people across our care homes, from staff to our residents and their families by providing the very best of care. Congratulations to Heather, Yvonne and Ross and we’ll be rooting for you all at the final in November.” The winners will be announced at a glittering ceremony at the Hilton London Metropole on Friday November 30, 2018. To find out more about Balhousie Care Group, please click here