18 October 2022
Our Durham and Darlington Care Home Liaison hub and wellbeing service have recently completed the ‘Playlist for Life’ professionals training – learning how personalised music can play a key role in helping people living with dementia.
Durham and Darlington CHL hub held an event earlier this month to celebrate becoming ‘Playlist for Life’ certified. Executive Director of Playlist for Life, Michelle Armstrong-Sturgenor, travelled from Scotland to visit the team at Auckland Park Hospital and present them with their plaque.
Playlist for Life was founded in 2013 by writer and broadcaster Sally Magnusson after the death of her mother, to ensure that everyone living with dementia has a playlist of personal music, and that everyone who cares for them knows how to use it.
Sharing songs and memories can help people living with dementia connect with family, friends and carers. The playlist may include music from a first dance, childhood lullabies or a theme tune from a favourite TV show.
The team, who support 116 care homes in Durham and Darlington, gave presentations about how the use of personalised music within their work has supported residents, families, and staff in care homes over the last year. Michelle also delivered a ‘Playlist for Life’ awareness session for other older adult teams in Durham and Darlington.
The event was attended by representatives from inpatient wards in Durham and Darlington, Dr Lynne Howey, Head of Psychological Professions, Dr Jo Nadkani, colleagues from Durham County Council, CNTW Innovations, Sandringham Care Home and Nordoff Robbins Music Therapy.
After the event, Dr Joanna Marshall and Megan Holden from TEWV took part in a podcast with Vice Chair and music detective, Andy Lowndes.
