“World Music Therapy Day is so beneficial for the residents because it is a day to showcase how music improves cognitive, emotional, and physical well-being. By enjoying and engaging with music, either by listening or singing, it can lift spirits, reduce anxiety, and is also a wonderful reminiscing exercise too.”
“To make sure we got the party going, we combined the silent disco with one of our regular, fun exercise classes with Helen Rolls,” continued Karen Charity, the Activities Coordinator at the care home. “The residents put their headphones on then Helen got everyone to follow some simple seated dance moves. The music started and so did the singing and dancing – and some residents got up and danced around as well.”
It wasn’t just the residents who put on their dancing shoes. “Emma, Jo Rumney – Little Bramingham Farm’s Deputy Manager and I, all had a boogie with the residents too,” said Karen. “Along with a great catalogue of tunes, there were plenty of song requests from the residents as well. William McCormack, who has lived at the care home since May 2025 asked for Doris Day’s 1955 hit, ‘Que Sera, Sera’; Rosemary McLeod who made Little Bramingham Farm her home in November 2025 requested Abba’s mega hit, ‘Dancing Queen’, Betty Taylor, who moved to the care home in December 2023 asked for the 1960s classic ‘The Twist’; Evelyn Kelly who has lived with us since January 2024 loves Neil Diamond so chose his 1969 chart topper, ‘Swee Caroline’ and, to keep it rocking and rolling, Celia Field who moved to the care home in March 2020 decided on ‘All Shook Up’ by the King, Elvis Presley.”
“Silent discos have become a popular way to enjoy music, and our silent disco just goes to prove they are not just for the younger generation,” continued Emma. “The residents had a fantastic experience, listening and dancing to their favourite songs and hearing new ones too. It was a fun, inclusive, and easily accessible way for them to enjoy music, dance, and socialise with each other in a new setting.”
“The wireless headphones were ideal as the residents could adjust the volume to their own comfort level, they were in total control,” added Karen. “The residents have a wide appreciation for different musical genres and eras which cover many decades – 50s, 60s and 70s, right up to some of today’s favourites, so we made sure there was something for everyone to enjoy.”
“Dancing or doing seated dance moves to music are excellent low-impact exercises which help to improve balance, coordination, and cardiovascular health in a fun and engaging way – and when the oldies were played, it was a lovely, nostalgic and reminiscing time for the residents as well,” continued Emma.
“We’ll definitely be hosting more silent discos, as the residents absolutely had a marvellous time. In fact, they had a wonderful ‘disco-very’ of a new, fun and interactive activity which will become firm fixtures on our wide and varied activities calendar,” concluded Emma.
Find out more about Little Bramingham Farm care home by calling 01582 582 433 or emailing [email protected].