A SOUNDTRACK of more than 300 favourite songs has been making a big difference in the daily lives of people with dementia.

Waypoints Verwood, a specialist dementia care home with nursing, has introduced an initiative called Playlist for Life.

Songs chosen by residents have been played through the sound system at the home – an idea credited with helping connect them to their memories, improving their awareness and sense of independence.

The idea has proved so successful that Waypoint intends to introduce it at its homes in Upton and Plymouth.

Activities coordinator Emilia Tubisz, who set up the scheme, said: “I spoke to residents and their relatives and friends to compile a list of their favourite songs and artists, which include anything from the Rolling Stones to Frank Sinatra and Abba.

“The songs were then downloaded onto an MP3 player and are played through the sound system at the home so that at any one time a resident at Waypoints will be able to listen to one of their favourite pieces of music, whether it is their favourite song or artist.

“After the first week of playing the songs, I could see the mood changes in some of the residents. One of the ladies likes the classical music such as Pavarotti and when she heard the song I asked her what she thought. She then smiled and said ‘This is lovely, I like this kind of music’.

“Another lady started to sing when she heard some of the Doris Day songs from The Pajama Game musical and there was also a gentleman who heard a classical piece of music and he sat there smiling with his eyes closed. Another day, there were two ladies who started to dance around the bistro when they heard their song.”

She added: “I have seen a huge difference since we have been playing the songs on the Playlist for Life, as residents who listen to the music are more relaxed when they hear their favourite songs or artists. It’s great to see the impact the scheme has had on the residents.”

Sarah Metcalfe, chief executive of Playlist for Life, said: “Personally meaningful music can be a uniquely powerful tool to improve life for people living with dementia. We provide tools and training to people with dementia, their families and carers to harness its powerful effects.”