Music sessions get care home resident moving again

Care home staff said Edna Topps was now walking short distances

Staff at a care home have credited musical therapy with helping to get a 98-year-old resident back on her feet.

Carers at Nottingham's Beechdale Manor had noticed Edna Topps, who has dementia, was no longer standing up or walking.

But things changed when she started attending group singing sessions at the home.

Staff said the music prompted Mrs Topps to stand up from her wheelchair and following physical therapy, she was now walking short distances.

Sonia Timms said she could not believe the 98-year-old's transformation

Care home manager Sonia Timms said: "We had noticed a dip in Edna's health and mobility - she had to use a hoist to be transferred and had stopped walking.

"So I asked my activity co-ordinator to involve her a bit - even if she didn't want to take part - and we've just seen her thrive."

Staff said they noticed a significant improvement in her mood during the sessions, culminating in her getting to her feet during one sing-song.

"She started to stand from her chair so we got the occupational therapist out to assess her - and now she's walking with a Zimmer frame," said Ms Timms.

"I'm so glad that the team spotted Edna's interest in singing and was able to gently guide her towards an activity that has truly changed her life.

"Watching Edna's journey has been remarkable. It's a joy to see her on the move and enjoying short walks in our gardens."

'Connecting to past'

Mrs Topps told the BBC she liked doing "anything" at the care home, adding: "I love a laugh and joke, I have to be careful what I say."

Orii McDermott, a senior research fellow at the University of Nottingham's institute of mental health, said music therapy could be a powerful tool.

"Every human being responds to music," she said.

"All of us have this innate musicality - so even people who say they are not musical can respond to music, including people living with dementia.

"What's happening with Edna is the music is possibly connecting her brain to her past memories of family or friends, or past events, and maybe that has energised her."

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