The Fed welcomed a north West legend to its Heathlands Village care home this week when internationally acclaimed singer, Lisa Stansfield, visited the Prestwich charity.
The visit was arranged in conjunction with Nordoff Robbins, a leading UK Music Therapy charity. Regional Manager, David Robinson, who has been delivering music therapy to residents of Heathlands Village for over three years, explained
“Music is a universal human means of communication that transcends language and memory.
In therapy we use it to find and draw out the healthy, well part of the person, enabling them to connect with others and helping to maintain or even enhance social skills that may fade as illness progresses. People with dementia lose their autonomy.
As the illness progresses, their increasing experience is to have things done for them as they are less able to look after themselves. Our sessions give them the opportunity to be spontaneous and to take the lead.”
After meeting key staff at Heathlands’ Oakwood nursing household where staff care for people with complex needs who live with dementia, Lisa sat in on a music therapy session, with two individual residents, joining them to sing and dance and accompany on percussion.
She was visibly wowed as she witnessed the residents respond and take the lead in what developed into a joyous session.
The visit was organised as part of Nordoff Robbins’ ‘Get Loud’ campaign, which is raising awareness of the power of music and how music therapy can change the lives of people living with a range of challenges. Ten artists – including Lisa – will perform exclusive gigs at the same across the country on 26th September, in support of the charity at their annual awareness day– Get Loud.