Questions from Guild House
Sabine, Activities Lead at Guild House, recently sat down with Sue from Musical Movements to learn more about her sessions, what inspires her, and the difference music and movement can make to residents’ wellbeing.
1. Q What first inspired you to start Musical Movement?
A Musical Movements was not started by me. A gentleman called Garry started the business in the early 2000’s. He sold the business to his daughter Michelle and I joined in 2008. I joined the company because I really enjoyed what they were doing and wanted to be part of it.
“I also like caring for people and making them feel better.”
2. Q How would you best describe what you do to someone who has never seen a session before?
A It’s a good sing-a-long with gentle exercises.
3. Q What do you love most about working with older people and care home residents?
A I try to create an atmosphere for fun and stimulation, I like to see them happy and enjoying themselves.
4. Q What makes Musical Movements so powerful for wellbeing, especially for people living with dementia or limited mobility?
A Singing songs gives them a feeling of connection with others, because they all know the words whereas sometimes their short term memory lets them down. Music speaks memories. Their facial expressions and their response to the music tell me how they feel.
“Sometimes their short term memory lets them down… but music speaks memories.”
5. Q How do you choose the music for your sessions?
A The music needs to be of their time, i.e. mid teens to their 40’s.
The music needs to be popular so that they all know the words.
“Music which lifts the residents up and encourages them to feel part of the group.”
It needs a strong rhythm and beat.
Not too fast or slow.
Preferably a short intro.
This combination will raise the energy in the room.
6. Q What is a typical session like from start to finish?
A Warm up. Gentle warm up with fingers on different parts of their bodies.
Build with instruments doing more activities around the body.
Aerobics. Stretching to reach body parts.
Balls. Exercises to keep the hands strong and more mobile. Plus elastic, parachute, and maybe gentle dancing for those who are inclined, and able.
Cool down. Gentle close.
The emphasis is on fun, if they have pain or not slept well, they can still have a good sing-a-long.
I say, don’t do it if it hurts, and take a break where necessary.
“Everyone holding on to a string with some of the songs gives the impression of dancing together (sitting)… they feel they’ve contributed, they are connected, part of something.”
7. Q How does it make you feel when you see people smiling, singing, or moving along?
A It makes me feel happy and gives me satisfaction to see their smiles.
8. Q What difference do you notice in residents before and after a session?
A Quiet at the beginning and lively at the end.
9. Q If you could describe your sessions in three words, what would they be?
A Fun, Lively, connections.
10. Q Do you have a favourite moment or memory from a session at one of our homes?
A Seeing everyone sing Sweet Caroline with their arms in the air.
11. Q What reactions from residents mean the most to you?
A Smiling, singing and forgetting their worries for 1 hour.
12. Q Why do you think music connects with people even when other things become harder?
A They made their music memories at the peak of their youth, when their brain was much more receptive.
“Loneliness is a big thing… I want to get them together so that they don’t go too far down. Connections bring back the feeling of being in a family.”
13. Q Is there one song that always gets everyone joining in?
A Que Sara
14. Q What would you say to someone who feels nervous about giving it a go?
A Come out of your room and have some company, you don’t have to join in, you can just watch.
“Music is in our DNA… come and join in, if you like.”
Thank You Sue
We would like to thank Sue for taking the time to share more about her passion.
Sue is lively, bubbly and always smiling — like a fresh warm wind coming into the home. She also takes the time to speak gently with residents when needed.
Sue shared how much she enjoys coming to Guild House, and how she can see the difference staff are making — taking time with residents and providing truly dedicated support.
As Sue put it:
“You got it right!”
It was a pleasure to spend time with Sue — a truly lovely person doing an amazing job.
