A tuneful campaign involving singing popular songs has been launched highlighting the impact of music on dementia in the elderly. 

The Home Instead senior care team in Watford created a top 10 “Songs to Remember” for clients as part of Dementia Action Week last month.

The awareness week, which ran from May 21 to 27, saw caregivers and recipients joining together for a singsong covering such popular numbers as “Bring me Sunshine” sung by Morecambe & Wise, “It’s a Long Way to Tipperary” and “You Are My Sunshine”.

Schoolchildren from Little Green Primary School in Croxley also joined in the campaign during the Royal Wedding on May 18, singing songs with clients and serving them tea, coffee and cake. 

One of the clients said: “It’s been a lovely afternoon with the children. It was so well organised and I have thoroughly enjoyed myself.”

Dementia research shows that the disease affects one is six adults over 80 in the UK, and the clearest memories are for the music and songs people enjoy between the ages of ten and 30. There is currently no cure for dementia.

Alexis Neighbour, co-owner of Home Instead Senior Care, said: “We’ve all experienced the feeling of being transported back to a place or time from our past through a piece of music or song, but for people who have dementia and their loved ones, that experience can be particularly magical.

“It was wonderful partnering up with the Little Green School and it was evident from our afternoon tea party with the children how much everyone enjoyed themselves.” 

Home Instead specialises in providing at-home care for the elderly, allowing people to remain independent for as long as possible.

For more information call 01923 250513 or visit https://www.homeinstead.co.uk/watford