Friends of the Elderly Malvern hosts joyful and interactive music week

RESIDENTS at Friends of the Elderly’s Malvern-based Davenham, Perrins House and Bradbury Court, the residential, nursing and dementia care homes which are collectively known as Friends of the Elderly Malvern, have had a wonderful musical week, thanks to a series of performances arranged by the care homes’ Activities Coordinators.

Tina Ellenton, the Activities Coordinator at Davenham Residential Care Home said:

“Our residents love all genres of music and thoroughly enjoy the wide range of different performances we arrange throughout the year. With this in mind, we thought that having a Friends of the Elderly Malvern Music Week covering an array of musical tastes would be a great idea and an excellent way for the residents to not only engage with each other, but with the visiting singers, groups and musicians.”

The Friends of the Elderly Malvern Music Week got off to a trumpeting start with The Malvern Community Choir delivering a beautiful choral concert in Davenham’s Chapel. The following day, The Debutots Group visited the residents at Bradbury Court, the Dementia Care Home at Friends of the Elderly Malvern.

Jo Bennett, the General Manager at Friends of the Elderly Malvern said:

“Debutots is a wonderful group of pre-school age children and their nursery workers, who joined us for a fun and interactive intergenerational musical treat. The residents’ faces lit up when the children arrived. Watching the residents and children playing instruments and singing together was wonderful.”

Laura Smith, the Activities Coordinator at Bradbury Court said:

“The Debutots got everyone involved in singing traditional songs and rhymes and playing instruments. Interacting and socialising with the children and their parents, making music and singing was a creative and entertaining activity for the residents.

“The intergenerational interactive musical session was inspiring. It was great for the residents as it motivated both their bodies and minds and music, especially singing, can unlock memories and reach parts of the brain in ways that other forms of communication just cannot.”

The next day saw a change of tempo when Wolfren Riverstick entertained the residents with an eclectic guitar recital in Davenham’s Chapel. Wolfren performed a set which included classic songs from the 1950s through to the 1970s, with tunes covering a mixture of genres to suit all the residents’ musical tastes.

Tina added:

“Wolfren also got the residents engaged and involved with a few much-loved sing-along songs as well.”

Laura continued:

“The residents loved singing along to some tuneful oldies such as She’ll Be Coming Round The Mountain, He’s Got The Whole World In His Hands, Peggy Sue, How Much Is That Doggie In The Window? and so many more. The Chapel was full of joy and happiness.”

Perrins House, the Nursing Care Home at Friends of the Elderly Malvern hosted the musical soirees for the final two days of the harmonious week.

Selena Whittaker, the Activities Coordinator at Perrin’s House said:

“The following day, Reba, a wonderful American singer entertained us all. On the final day of our Music Week, we welcomed a beautiful cello player, Corrine, who had the residents enchanted with her smooth bow work and amazing musical skills.”

Jo concluded:

“The residents had a musical medley week – it was interactive and engaging, with each day bringing a new performance or group to Friends of the Elderly Malvern. Music, singing and a familiar favourite tune can bring cheer, evoke memories and provide comfort – all of which can contribute to a positive sense of well-being, which is great for the residents. They enjoyed it so much, that many have already asked for another Music Week, which we will definitely make happen for them.”