World Alzheimer’s Month – Jean’s Story

World Alzheimer's Month - Jean's Story

This World Alzheimer’s Month, we share the stories of some of the families affected by dementia with whom we are working to observe the effects of music on well-being.

Here is Jean’s moving and uplifting story, told by Care Home Manager, Beth.

Jean moved into our care home in June 2024. Her family was concerned that she was withdrawing and losing her sense of self at home, where Jean and her beloved husband, Charlie, would spend their days watching television, often not feeling up to doing much. The family’s hope for Jean coming to live with us was that she and Charlie would both be able to find some social well-being.

It was clear from the start that music was important

Upon getting to know Jean, it was clear that she loved socialising and being around music. Activity and care staff always supported Jean to participate in activities, especially those centred around music.

Staff quickly realised that music was key to supporting Jean with accepting help with things like personal care. On one occasion, when some music was played for Jean, she began to relax and even dance before accepting support.

Aiming high early

Staff were very quickly able to identify that Jean’s mood can be altered by the music she listens to. Home Manager, Beth, was working closely with the charity, ‘Music for my mind’. The charity focuses on using music from our teenage years to automatically create playlists of favourite music which can be used as part of a care plan for people living with dementia or memory loss. Jean was quickly identified as a resident who would benefit from being a part of the charity’s work.

"You haven't lost me. I'm still here and I love you."

Transformative outcomes

Jean took part in the Music for my Mind music effects project alongside her husband, Charlie. Throughout the sessions Jean was engaged, tapping her feet and stroking her husband’s hands. Jean and Charlie used to listen to Perry Como on their car journeys together, so when the final song that was played was a Perry Como song, Jean held onto Charlie’s hand, looked into his eyes and said, “You haven’t lost me, I’m still here and I love you”.

Of Jean’s remarkable journey with music since she arrived, Deputy Care Home Manager, Emily O’Regan said:

“Seeing the change in Jean from the day she arrived has been a joy to watch. On her admission, Jean was a very quiet lady who tended to keep herself to herself. She would spend much of her time in her room and would not often partake in activities. Since staff discovered her love for music Jean has come out of her shell and is attending activities daily. Her and her husband Charlie are able to spend quality time together listening to the music they enjoy and socialising with other residents and staff within the home.”

Jean and Charlie finished the music listening session with a slow dance to "We'll meet again."

Staff have also observed that Jean’s well-being and mood have greatly improved when getting up in the mornings. Within a few minutes of listening to her personalised playlist she is smiling, laughing, and singing.

The team at Music for my Mind is grateful to the staff at Jean’s care home for embracing the music effects project with understanding and passion, and to Jean and her family for participating and providing consent to share her story.