The Powers of Music at Beaumont Manor

Music has the ability to bring joy and comfort, to motivate us as well as to help us to relax. It can transport us back in time and calms worried minds. Music can help regulate your emotions, improve your moods and even help you to sleep better.

Here are six ways in which music can help to enhance your wellbeing.

1. Boast your mood

Beaumont Care Home recognises the powerful connection between music and our emotional well-being. Extensive research has shown that music can have a profound effect on our moods, with even a favourite song capable of sparking joy. Listening to music we love triggers the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter in the brain often associated with pleasure and reward, which can play a vital role in combating symptoms of depression.

2. Enhance attention and focus

Encouraging the residents at Beaumont to listen to music has been shown to improve focus and attention as well as boost mental performance. Listening to classical music has been found to bring about a balanced, stable, calm state of mind.

3. Recall fond memories

Music has the incredible ability to transport us back in time, rekindling cherished memories and emotions. By incorporating activities like "Music for the Brain," where we replay songs from past decades, we can help individuals instantly reconnect with the emotions and feelings they experienced during those times. Beaumont has discovered that music has a profound impact on residents living with dementia and Alzheimer’s, often unlocking memories and emotions that may otherwise be difficult for them to access or express. Through music, we can tap into a deeper part of their memories, offering comfort, connection, and a way to communicate beyond words.

4. Promote relaxation & restful sleep

Beaumont has discovered that playing calming music during sensory sessions can be particularly beneficial when feeling overwhelmed or stressed, and it may even promote better sleep. Research shows that listening to soothing music aids relaxation by slowing down your breathing and heart rate, reducing blood pressure, and lowering levels of stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol. These effects make it easier to unwind, helping you to fall asleep faster and enjoy a more restful, longer sleep.

5. Boast motivation and energy

Many of us find exercising more enjoyable and effective when accompanied by music. Fast-paced, upbeat tunes naturally increase your heart rate and provide an energising boost, enhancing motivation and maximising performance. At Beaumont, we encourage the use of music during seated exercises to help residents stay active and make the experience more engaging and invigorating.

6. Cultivate connection

Beaumont embraces the fact that music is universal and brings people together from all walks of life. Listening to music can help us develop empathy, trust and compassion for others and can also give us a sense of belonging.

Music is a powerful tool for engaging and connecting with people, whether it’s through holding hands, tapping to the rhythm, singing, humming along, or simply moving to the beat. To enhance these experiences, we partnered with a local company called Musical Moments, a franchise that specialises in music-based activities designed to get residents singing and moving. Their approach stimulates both physical and mental engagement through the use of sensory props and safe, adaptive movements. While our initial goal was to engage residents with dementia, we quickly discovered that residents of all abilities were equally drawn to the sessions, thoroughly enjoying the experience.

The benefits of these musical activities for our residents have been remarkable, fostering feelings of safety, belonging, and happiness. This was evident in the beaming smiles, contagious laughter, rhythmic foot-tapping, arm-waving, and emotional responses as treasured memories were brought to the surface. At Beaumont, we are proud to witness how the power of music has united our residents, creating a stronger sense of community among them.

In addition to Musical Moments, we regularly host live singers, including an Elvis Presley impersonator, who bring a burst of energy and joy, sparking memories and getting everyone up to dance. Music is a key element of the activities we offer at Beaumont, carefully tailored to meet individual needs, encourage social interaction, and explore a variety of genres.

To learn more about how we can support your loved ones, contact our expert team or call us on 01255 388 500.