Family home hosts dementia-friendly piano concerts

Mike Holland attends with his wife Christina and said her face "lights up" when she hears the music

A family has opened the doors of their home to host dementia friendly piano concerts, organised by carers.

Twice a month, people with dementia and their families are invited along to a home in Kenilworth, Warwickshire, to enjoy an intimate evening of piano music.

Cindy Neale, who works as a carer at Home Instead in Warwick and organises the events, said the people attending can often feel anxious in larger groups or social situations - so the cosy environment helps them to relax.

The concerts take place at the home of George Robinson and his wife who wanted to share the "warm atmosphere" of their property.

The organist, Tim Sheasby, plays music from across the decades, including medleys from The Beatles, Elvis Presley and Abba.

Tina Baxter's mum, Christine, has had dementia for five years and is receiving end of life care.

Ms Baxter said although her mum is no longer well enough to attend the concerts, she is aware of how much music helps her.

"My mum, she doesn't know me - but if I play her the Beatles, she remembers every word to every single Beatles song, which is just crazy," she said.

"Music is the only thing that brings my mum back."

Ms Baxter's mum, Christine, is now receiving end of life care, but her daughter said she still loves listening to The Beatles

The events are also open to people who suffer from diseases that affect that brain, such as Parkinson's, as well as to people who have had a stroke.

Christina Holland attends with her husband Mike, who is also her carer.

Mrs Holland suffered a "catastrophic" stroke and is no longer able to speak, however her husband said attending the concerts really lifts her mood.

"It's most I've seen her smiling," he added.

Mrs Neale said music concerts in larger venues could often be "too long and too formal" so she decided to start singing in people's home.

She noticed the positive impact of the music and posted an appeal on Facebook to find somewhere where people with dementia could come together to enjoy music again.

Mr Robinson and his wife came forward and offered to open their home, as they had a grand piano that was rarely played.

"We recognise that we are really privileged to live in such an amazing house," he said.

"It seemed like the right thing to share the space with people who are less fortunate than us."

Mr Robinson and his family decided to host the concerts to allow others to enjoy the "warm atmosphere" of their home

Mrs Neale said living with dementia could still be a life "full of joy and fulfilment and shared experiences".

"I think that's where music comes in, music really does tick all the boxes," she added.

She said the concerts are particularly special due to the effort that everyone involved makes.

"George and his family are so kind, they even provide refreshments and Tim doesn't rush anyone to sit down, he waits for them to get what they need and then he starts to play," Mrs Neale said.