THE founder of a social enterprise which promotes music as a way of helping people with dementia has been declared an inspiration.
Rosie Mead, founder and chief executive of Musica Music and Wellbeing, is a PhD candidate researching music in dementia care. She was named a Woman of Inspiration in NatWest’s 100 WISE (Women in Social Enterprise List).
The Blandford-based founder said: “Research is telling us that people living with dementia receive the greatest benefits to wellbeing if they engage with music on a regular basis.
“The challenge right now is that there is a lack of support for caregivers to do this. I wanted to create a free course which would be accessible to all caregivers no matter where they care for an individual living with dementia. I’m amazed by how many people have signed up already, and the feedback has been incredible.”
WISE 2020 focused on the stars of the social enterprise world who had adapted to Covid.
In August, Musica launched a free online course on music and dementia which has introduced more than 250 people worldwide to the subject.
The course consists of videos, podcasts and handouts about the power of music in dementia care. It takes an hour to complete and each learner receives an email series of 10 tips as well as access to Musica’s online community.
Rosie Mead said: “The benefits of music in dementia care are significant. The use of meaningful music can help to strengthen connections between the individual living with dementia and their caregivers, reducing social isolation as well as improving overall wellbeing and quality of life.
“I want to bridge the gap between research and practice by supporting caregivers to have an understanding of the research behind why music benefits people living with dementia as well as how they can put this understanding into practice as part of their relationship-centred dementia care.”
Musica is in this year’s SE100 index, which lists the top 100 performing social enterprises in the UK.
CONTACT ME
t: 01202 411297
e: darren.slade@
bournemouthecho.co.uk
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here