Music can have a profound effect on the quality of life of older people.
LMN has worked with older people since its foundation, inspired by the belief that the need for enrichment does not diminish with age. A recent evaluation of our work, the Meaningful Moments Evaluation Report, outlines the positive effects of live music on the emotional, social, intellectual and spiritual wellbeing of older people: how it can enhance communication, giving residents or services users a collective focus and an outlet for their creative energy, which will last long after the musicians have gone. These benefits are also covered in a major report recently published by the Baring Foundation, Ageing Arfully.
LMN musicians are trained to stimulate and engage older people not only through their craft and talent but also through their humanity and ability to communicate and connect with others. There are no fixed formulas for success and musicians employ a range of unique, lively and imaginative approaches to engaging participants in their performance.
In 2007-09, strategic development of our work with older people was boosted by a grant from the Bank of America Foundation which launched the Active Music, Active Minds programme. This has resulted in an increase in our effectiveness and reach in working with older people and several innovative longer term projects are currently running across the scheme.
LMN enables its partners to meet key aspirations in The Dignity Challenge, identified by Care Services Minister, Ivan Lewis, to provide high quality care services that respect people's dignity.
| Support people with the same respect you would want for yourself or a member of your family | LMN musicians interact with all participants on an equal basis |
| Treat each person as an individual | LMN musicians consult and interact with participants on an individual basis as well as with the group |
| Enable people to maintain the maximum possible level of independence, choice and control | LMN musicians encourage full participation through active involvement, using imagination, engaging in conversation, offering choice, active listening |
| Engage with family members and carers | LMN encourages family, friends and carers to join in and offers training to enhance their involvement |
| Assist people to maintain confidence and a positive self-esteem | The emotional benefits of making music have been proved to enhance a sense of achievement and self-worth |
| Help to alleviate people's loneliness and isolation | Music helps to break down barriers, providing a shared experience |
"I have been listening to older people and their carers about what matters to them and one theme that has come up time and time again is that good care means stimulating the mind as well as the body and responding to people's interests and needs.
"'LMN's work with older people is a prime example of an innovative way of doing just that. I am sure it will be a great success and will be warmly welcomed by those individuals whose lives it touches." Ivan Lewis, Care Services Minister, Dept of Health
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