Holistic Harmonies Music in nursing homes

Description

As part of the delivery for music in nursing homes a newly formed volunteer community choir were provided with a choir tutor to develop their singing and performance skills. comprised of all older people the choir then performed to their peers in nursing homes. This provided a double element to the delivery.

Aim of Initiative

Entertainment and engagement to those in residential nursing homes. This part of the project also included an engagement with more active older people who still reside independantly in our communities allowing them to engage both with nursing home residents and other older people. The facilitator built confidence and enjoyment and regular practices provided engagement and social inclusion.

Who is it aimed at

older people in Co Cavan including those in a residential setting

3 Steps critical to success

1. engage older people in newly formed choir to regularly attend choir sessions
   submission of successful funding application to Creative Ireland
2. engage nursing homes to host performances
3. organise and bring choirs to nursing homes.

3 Challenges in Planning / Delivery

1. Getting older people to engage and form a choir
2. Getting nursing homes to agree to visits
3. identifying and applying for funding to deliver project

3 Outcomes / Benefits

1. Choir of older people established
2. facilitator to embed good positive experience of choir – engagement to reduce social isolation, breathing exercises etc for health and wellbeing and ageing better.
3. performances in nursing homes – with follow up essential tea and coffee with residents – renewing old and making new acquantances.