Alderwood Care Home was presented with a prize of £1,000 by star actor and TV presenter, Christopher Biggins on Friday 19th October.
The home is the winner of the Making a Difference Competition, which challenged the 13 homes in Alderwood’s group to come up with new, creative and meaningful activities for their residents.
Alderwood’s response to this challenge was to focus on the connection everyone has with music, developing a programme covering every music genre including the forming of a choir, introducing a karaoke pub night, music and movement classes and a barn dance.
The team also invested in a ‘Music in Motion’ (MIMS) station. This is a mobile unit housing a music keyboard, a tablet, a TV and headphones and can be taken anywhere in the home to help provide stimulation for less cognitive or physically able residents.
During his visit, Christopher witnessed the MIMS machine in action and the impact it had on residents. He then delighted the residents by joining in the Alderwood Choir.
Christopher said: “I am truly amazed at how the Alderwood team has brought music to life for so many of the people in the home. I was thrilled to be able to join the choir today – they certainly have talent as well as infectious enthusiasm. And the MIMS machine is a real innovation that will bring joy to all residents for years to come”.
Home manager, Nikki Leaney said: “We are thrilled that the home has won this prize and it was very exciting to host Christopher here today. We are planning to spend our £1,000 on some more MIMS units so that more residents can have access whenever they want and on buying a dance floor for our summer marquee”.
Christopher Biggins has a particular and very personal interest in care for the elderly. His 92 year old mother is living with dementia and in 2016 Christopher hosted the Great British Care Awards.
Christopher adds: “Music is such a fantastic way to bring people together and to stimulate happy memories. The home resounds with music and it’s clear that this project has touched every resident positively. It is particularly heart-warming to see how they have focused on using their mobile music stations to engage residents receiving end of live nursing care. Very moving”.