Care home residents in Edinburgh were boogying on down to silent discos, live performances and an ABBA tribute act last week as part of Music Festival Week in the homes.
Residents and staff in both Renaissance Care’s Letham and Milford Care Home’s were working together to give TRNSMT a run for its money with a week-long Music Festival initiative. From ice-cream vans and transfer tattoos, to glitter and bucket hats, staff pulled out all the stops to give the residents a summer to remember.
The care group which runs 16 homes across Scotland is known for its fun and inventive campaigns that engage residents and focus on bettering their health and wellbeing, as well as encouraging fun and physical activity.
Each home had its own bespoke musical line up throughout the week, all taking place around the homes and gardens which were especially decorated in a festival theme, as well as playing a range of games and enjoying festival style grub.
Music has proven to be an effective tool in boosting mood and memory, especially for those living with dementia and Alzheimer’s. The number of people living with dementia and Alzheimer’s has increased substantially over the past two decades, and this initiative offered a fun way for residents of all abilities to enjoy some time together and let loose their inner-ravers.
Norma Liston (90), resident at Renaissance Letham Care Home, said: “I’ve been hearing a lot about the summer festivals from Glastonbury to TRNSMT, then of course The Fringe coming up too, so it was great that we could have our own celebration and enjoy a song and a dance together this summer.
“Renaissance Care never does anything by halves, the staff did a fantastic job at making this as much like a real festival as it could be without actually going to one – and thankfully there’s no camping involved!”
Yvonne Mackenzie, Operations Director at Renaissance Care, said: “Music has universal appeal, and we know from experience how much our residents enjoy a bit of a boogie and a song. This concept has been another brilliant way to get everyone involved, up and active in whichever way they feel comfortable.
“We have recently introduced a new danceSing platform across the homes for staff and residents to use to stay fit and healthy, so this has been the perfect complement to its launch which is part of a wider effort to further improve the culture within the business.
“Bucket hats and glow-sticks were in full swing and it was great to see everyone up and having a good time this July.”
Renaissance Care recently introduced a range of new benefits as part of its culture review including danceSing, a flexible approach to working and free period products in all staff bathrooms.