Take Note: 100 Everyday Musical Ideas for Carers to Use with Older People

Music is increasingly recognised as being an activity that can be of enormous benefit to those living with dementia. Take Note will help anyone working with older people to find ways of using music effectively, regardless of their musical training or ability.

Presented on easy-to-access cards, there are 100 different ideas for using music, each one tried and tested by the authors. Cards include ideas for:

• Encouraging participants to listen to music and join in
• Using music to help achieve particular effects, such as wellbeing and the relief of anxiety, depression and agitation
• Working with individuals and groups
• Enhancing social engagement
• Improving memory and communication.

The resource is accompanied by a website that illustrates the ideas set out on the cards with videos and musical materials. Take Note is a useful aid for caregivers, music practitioners and therapists working with older people, whether in a care home, a day care centre or in a private home. The cards are also a helpful resource for family members of those with dementia.

Adam Ockelford is Professor of Music at the University of Roehampton and has an international reputation for undertaking music-psychological research that has a practical value.

Fiona Costa has spent the last fifteen years carrying out research into the use of effective music interventions with older people in residential care and has also pioneered a range of musical activities for older people in community settings.