How Does Music Contribute To Happiness In Care Homes - Anchorage Care Home
Care homes can sometimes feel a bit routine, but one simple thing can completely change the atmosphere, and that’s music.

Music has a special way of lifting moods, creating connections and making everyday moments feel a little brighter – especially in care home settings.

Keep reading as we explore why music is the secret to happier care homes and how it creates joy for residents, carers and families.

How Does Music Contribute to Happiness in Care Homes?

Music has been shown to contribute to happiness in care homes by lifting residents’ moods, reducing anxiety and sparking memories that take them back to the good times. Listening to music in care homes creates a comforting, positive and uplifting atmosphere. It also brings connection through group activities like sing-alongs, helping residents bond and feel less isolated

How Music Impacts Emotional Well-Being

Here’s how music helps improve residents’ emotional well-being:

Boosting Mood

Listening to a favourite upbeat tune triggers the release of dopamine (the brain’s feel-good hormone). Music can instantly brighten a resident’s day, whether it’s a cheerful song from their youth or a lively singing session. In fact, studies have shown that just 15 minutes of listening to happy music can significantly improve mood.

Reducing Anxiety and Stress

Soothing music has been proven to lower cortisol levels, the hormone associated with stress. For residents dealing with dementia or high anxiety, familiar, calming tunes can create a sense of comfort and ease. A 2015 study published in Frontiers in Psychology found that calming music reduced anxiety levels in care home residents by up to 65%.

Evoking Joyful Memories

A familiar song can transport someone back to a happy moment in their life – dancing at a wedding, being with friends or simply enjoying the radio. This ability to unlock memories is particularly powerful for residents with dementia, offering them moments of connection to their past and helping them feel happy and settled.

Encouraging Positive Connections

Music brings people together, and care homes prioritise socially engaging activities. A group activity allows residents to connect with carers and with visiting family members. This sense of connection improves happiness and reduces feelings of isolation, which is a common challenge in care homes.

Creating a Care Home Community Through Music

In care homes, music helps residents feel part of something bigger. Here are some ways music fosters community:

1. Group Sing-Alongs

Singing together is one of the easiest ways to achieve instant connection. Whether it’s a favourite classic or a fun medley, sing-alongs bring laughter, shared memories and a sense of unity to the room.

2. Live Music Performances

Inviting local musicians and choirs creates a shared experience for residents to enjoy together. It becomes a highlight of the day or week, giving residents more to talk about, creating exciting moments to remember.

3. Rhythm-Based Activities

Simple percussion exercises, like clapping, drumming and tapping along to a beat, encourage everyone to join in — no musical skills required. It’s an inclusive way to get everyone involved.

4. Intergenerational Music Events

Bringing younger generations into care homes for musical events, such as school choirs or music workshops, lets residents feel energised and connected.

5. Shared Playlists

Creating playlists that reflects residents’ tastes encourages conversations and nostalgia. A song from someone’s youth might also remind another resident of their memories, creating meaningful bonds.

6. Dance Sessions

Music paired with movement offers community by getting residents up and active together. Whether it’s seated dancing or swaying to a favourite tune, it’s such a fun way to connect.

7. Collaborative Music Creation

Giving residents the chance to contribute to music-making through singing, playing simple instruments or perhaps choosing the music creates a sense of ownership and camaraderie.

8. Music for Celebrations

From birthdays to Christmas celebrations, music adds a celebratory energy to events. It turns gatherings into lively, shared experiences that residents can cherish together, strengthening the sense of connection and belonging in the home.

How Staff Can Use Music in Care

Here are some creative and practical ways care homes can add music to everyday life to enhance happiness and well-being:

Morning Music to Start the Day

Care homes often use uplifting music during breakfast or morning activities to set a positive tone for the day. This simple practice helps residents feel energised and ready to engage with others.

Themed Music Afternoons

From 1950s rock and roll afternoons to classical music hours, care homes organise themed music events to cater to different tastes and bring variety into the week, triggering memories and keeping life exciting.

Relaxation Zones

Quiet corners with calming instrumental music provide residents with a peaceful moment. Care homes use these spaces to help residents relax and unwind, especially when they’re feeling overstimulated.

Resident DJs

Some care homes encourage residents to choose the playlist, allowing them to share their favourite songs and the stories behind them. This simple activity builds a sense of involvement and connection.

Integrate Music into Exercise Sessions

Care homes use rhythmic music in exercise sessions like chair workouts or movement classes, which is a fantastic way to motivate residents and turn physical activity into an extra fun, engaging experience.

Memory Sharing

By pairing music with storytelling, care homes help residents recall meaningful moments from their lives. Familiar songs often bring up conversations where residents share experiences with each other and with staff members.

Music Brings Care Homes to Life

When choosing a care home for your loved one, choose a facility that prioritises music in their care. This is especially important if they have dementia. Music transforms care homes into connected spaces where residents feel settled and at ease.

Music brings smiles, connections and joy to every corner of the home, making it a place where residents can truly thrive.

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