Music therapy This example illustrates how music can
reduce distress-related behaviours that might otherwise escalate to physical risk. By providing an alternative communication channel, music helps staff connect with residents during periods of distress, preventing incidents before they occur and reducing the need for reactive interventions. Care providers implementing regular
music sessions can document reductions in falls, agitation-related incidents, and the use of medication – all powerful evidence for CQC inspectors evaluating safety measures. Moreover, these benefits extend to staff safety, with music providing tools to de- escalate potentially challenging situations.
Enhancing effectiveness through musical engagement The ‘effective’ domain of the SAF focuses on achieving good outcomes and maintaining quality of life. Here, music offers numerous pathways to enhance the effectiveness of care delivery. The quality statement on ‘Supporting
people to live healthier lives’ emphasises maximising independence, choice, and control. Music naturally supports these aims by providing residents, regardless of cognitive ability, opportunities to express their preferences and make choices. Even when verbal communication is limited, residents can communicate through rhythm, melody, and musical responses. Our research collaboration with the
University of Winchester demonstrated how thoughtfully delivered music helps care homes become ‘happier places to live and work’. This outcome is not merely about enjoyment – it focuses on creating environments where effective care can thrive. Music sessions provide structured
opportunities for: n Cognitive stimulation through musical memory and recall.
n Physical activity through movement to music.
n Social connection through shared musical experiences.
n Emotional expression through musical engagement.
These benefits directly support the effectiveness of overall care delivery, helping residents maintain abilities and providing staff with insights into individual preferences that can inform personalised care planning. Care providers can document these
outcomes through regular assessments of resident engagement, tracking improvements in areas like nutrition (care homes report improved appetite when mealtime music is introduced), medication compliance, and participation in other activities following musical engagement.
Cultivating a caring culture through musical connection Perhaps the most natural alignment between music and the SAF comes in the ‘caring’ domain, where compassion, dignity, and respect are paramount. Three quality statements in this domain particularly resonate with musical approaches:
n Treating people as individuals. n Responding to people’s immediate needs. n Workforce wellbeing and enablement.
Music offers a unique vehicle for recognising individuality. Musical preferences and responses reveal aspects of personality, cultural background, and personal history that might otherwise remain hidden, especially for people with advanced dementia. By honouring these musical identities, care teams demonstrate respect for individuality beyond standard care plans. A powerful example comes from a care
team member during one of our residencies, where staff observed remarkable changes in a resident with dementia: “When Mary first came, she could not
speak. Now when I do her personal care she’s talking and telling me to get on with it and there is also real connection with Peter (her husband).” This transformation illustrates
how musical engagement can open communication pathways, fostering more meaningful care interactions and strengthening relationships both between staff and residents and among residents themselves. Critically, the SAF recognises that caring
environments depend on staff wellbeing. Music programmes benefit care teams as much as residents, providing moments of shared joy and connection that counter the emotional demands of care work. Staff who participate in music sessions alongside residents report higher job satisfaction, reduced stress, and a stronger sense of purpose in their roles. Care providers can evidence this
domain through resident and staff testimonials, documented communication improvements, and observations of
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www.thecarehomeenvironment.com January 2026
Buzzer Beaters -
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