Aug 2020
The power of music at Jubilee Lodge
Music can have strong effect on all of us, it can take us to a place of the past, or to a feeling of calm or excitement. It became very apparent during a sing a-long at Jubilee Lodge the ones of their residents, Dorothy, loved the music.
Generally preferring to be more reserved, Dorothy took everyone by surprise when she joined in with ‘My Favourite Things’ from the sound of music. She knew all the words, and as they moved onto Do-Re-Mi it became even more apparent that she wasn’t just a fan of music, she loved the Sound of Music – and we’re not just trying to be philosophical, we are talking about the musical. Residents and the team sang Edelweiss three times because she enjoyed it so much and when we finally stopped the sing a-long, Dorothy was very disappointed.
Because of this, Georgia the activities coordinator decided to learn the songs on guitar so that Dorothy could have a personal show. A few days later she got to listen to some of her favourite songs in the comfort of her own room, a setting she frequently prefers, for as long as she wanted.
Hearing a resident sing a-long to a song they loved as a child is a very special moment. It is a brief insight to their younger life before living at Jubilee Lodge, and the period of clarity always brings with it a great deal of happiness.