You are probably wondering who we are and why we are so keen about the concept of ‘Music’nCare’! So, here is a little background about us to show how we got here. Also how we hope to Help with Caring at home.
Towards the end of his life, Louise’s father had lost both legs and was visually impaired as a result of Diabetes. He lived at a specialist care home, To add to his life quality, Louise would regularly push him to her family home in his wheelchair. This was about a mile away (or 1.6 kilometres). This ensured that they could enjoy sharing quality time together.
Music always played a great part in these special times.
Louise also spent many years as a qualified Senior Carer and we are both trained ‘Dementia Champions’. During the last decade we have worked together taking interactive music workshops into Care and Residential Homes on a regular basis. Looking back, we realise that we have presented well over two thousand of these workshops in over fifty different facilities. This way we have helped to raise the spirits and general well being of thousands of residents.
Help with Caring at home, Using Music in Care;
Previously Louise had also acted as a volunteer home visitor with people in her community. She frequently spent time and shared conversation, memories and music with people who were unable to get out and about as they would like to.
Some years back I had helped care for my ex-father in law. He developed dementia and came to live with us for a considerable time until he passed away. This gave me a real insight into the challenges that home-based caregivers as you have. They frequently have to go the ‘extra mile’ to give the best possible care, often with limited resources. The subject of communication has always interested me, and I am a Speaker and Life Coach.
We have spent over eight years visiting care and residential homes (and still going!). Together we have experienced working with literally thousands of folks living with dementia. Many in their private homes and many more in communal residential care homes
During this time we have seen time and time again, the amazing effects that music, interaction and empathetic engagement can have on individuals. This is especially true for those who often have very little to motivate or inspire them.
We are now based in the south west of England, near Bristol and just love the area! We’re mostly busy presenting workshops or coaching or researching for this project. We also enjoy live music, (listening and gigging), coastal and country walks, travel and meeting new people.
Caring Relatives
A Care-Givers Dilemma
We have come into contact with hundreds of people during our work. Many like you find themselves in the position of looking after loved ones at home. This could be in a part time capacity or maybe full time. Even if surrounded by other family members and friends you can often feel lonely and isolated.
Have you ever felt that way?
A couple of weeks ago we interviewed a lovely lady who works with a home care agency and was so frustrated! She said, “My agency allocates 15 minutes to each client. During that time I have to ensure that they are clean, properly dressed, have their medication and get them a meal”. How on earth can I spend time to see to their emotional needs as well?”
“Tea Time”
Do you sometimes wonder how others are solving the problems of giving holistic emotional and physical care and support to their loved ones? This can be challenging as they cope with infirmities, illness or even just getting older.
Help with Caring at home
Louise and I are passionate about promoting the concept of using music as part of best way to help care for loved ones. From our experience we have learned that this is a sure way to dramatically improve the lives of those we care for.
How would you like to feel less lonely or isolated, – then come and join us in our friendly on line community. Here you will be able benefit from sharing ideas, helpful hints and experiences, through our free ‘Caregivers Newsletter’. So we would love to hear from you and to know how we may help.
We are really looking forward to getting to know you.
We’ll enjoy having your feed back and comments, so please feel free to add your thoughts and suggestions. (You’ll find a ‘Comments’ box after each article). We will read each one and Louise and I will be passing on all the useful information. useful tips and ideas and practical suggestions. We’re sure that you will find they will really help you to make your tasks easier and more enjoyable. With your input this site will become a hub for what is a fast growing community of people like you, – people who find themselves in the role of Caregivers at Home
Sure, there are a lot of supportive organisations out there, giving ‘official’ and ‘organizational’ aid,- and they do a great job. However, we want to help with caring at home by encouraging the amazing use of music. This has proven to be a powerful instrument (pardon the pun!) to promote well being and bring joy into the lives of older folk.
So … we are excited to tell you that we are working on producing a unique program bringing these benefits to carers like you. Would you like to discover the Magic Key to better ‘communication’ and happier times? Then this is for you! Watch this space…
In the meantime why not check out our ongoing Blog, for exciting updates for what we have coming your way soon.
Looking forward to more positive times together using music in care,
with best wishes,
Tony and Louise
