Welcome to Singing for Seniors
Vocal Vitality is absolutely thrilled to be exhibiting for the first time at the Alzheimer’s Show 2017, and we are very excited to be bringing you something rather different! We are launching two products – our Singing & Reminiscence Programmes, which are a new way to deliver a singing activity to those living with dementia, and our innovative Singing for Seniors Leader Course.
It’s not just all about singing for us, even though we know this has an incredibly positive impact in itself. We have found a way to enrich the experience even further, and have designed a programme that promises a journey of reminiscence and joy. Not only that, it’s really good fun.
You might be a relative or carer, or you may be an activities co-ordinator or volunteer in a care home. Whoever you are, the Singing & Reminiscence Programmes are absolutely for you and really easy to use. Most importantly, you don’t have to be a singer and you don’t really have to think about it too much either. Just pick up the pack, follow the easy to use format and you are all set to make a real difference to someone’s day! After all, isn’t that what it’s all about?
Find out more here:
Furthermore, our Singing for Seniors Leader Course will give you the necessary practical skills and confidence to deliver this engaging experience to someone with dementia. Using our structured format makes it so easy to conduct a Singing & Reminiscence session.
We are delighted that NAPA has approved the Leader Course as an accredited CPD qualification. We also believe that by incorporating these reminiscence programmes into your regular activities programme, it could also help boost your care homes Care Quality Commission rating.
We’d love to bring this to life for you so come and see us on Stand B1. You can also see us in action in the Practical Activities Workshop on Friday 9th June at 11:00 where we will deliver the type of session that you could be giving. (The props are optional but definitely add a bit of sparkle!)
In the meantime, here are a few things you might like to know about our Singing for Seniors products:
- Singing & Reminiscence Programmes
We have devised a number of different themed programmes that will help your sing along sessions run smoothly. Each programme includes a CD of songs specially recorded by a professional singer in keys and speeds that are perfect for residents to sing along with and large-print songbooks which are easy for seniors to read.
What makes this product different from other sing-alongs is that we have created the Reminiscence Guide, which is included as part of the package. Thoughtfully developed, this resource includes lots of visual cues to get the memories flowing, and to make the activity more engaging, fun and thought provoking. Easy to slot into a session, we’re told this is where the magic is!
- Singing for Seniors Leader Course
Care home staff receive half a day’s training on how to run a Singing & Reminiscence Session as well as learning about the benefits of singing for the elderly and those with dementia. So what else is included in the training package?
- A Student Workbook to record your notes and discussion points.
- A Singing for Seniors Leader’s Guide with all the key information and templates you need to run a successful Singing & Reminiscence session.
- A sample CD and Songbook.
- Access to a private social media group to share experiences and ideas with others.
- Support via phone and email
- A discount on your first Songbook & Reminiscence Programme
- Ability to purchase props and additional songbooks via our website.
For more information about Singing for Seniors click here.
Susan Garrett at Vocal Vitality says:
“I have been delivering (and will continue to deliver) Singing for Seniors sessions into care home settings with tremendous success. It has taken me a very long time to create an activity that ticks every single box, and now that I have uncovered the perfect formula, I want to share this with as many people as possible. You will see that my approach to a singing activity session brings so much more than just a sing-along, and I’m totally confident that after my training programme (and with the unique resources) you will also be able to deliver something really special. Anyone can do it, and everyone will love it!”
Those using the package have commented:
“This is a fresh approach – I’ve not used anything else like it. It is extremely flexible, and the reminiscence aspect adds a whole new dimension that really surprised me”
Activities Co-ordinator
“My father has advanced dementia and I often use singing as a way to engage with him. I try to sing with him at least twice a week, if not more. Having the large print songbook helps him to sing along and having a variety of songs already recorded makes it very easy to use. The Reminiscence Guide also helps us chat about a particular song or artist and stimulates his memories.
I would say hearing my father sing along to a song when he can barely speak a full sentence is one of the most heart-warming and satisfying parts of the day. I can see that he taps into some long-lost sense of self, however briefly”.
Primary carer of a loved one