Music therapy


based approaches. Research consistently shows that music interventions in dementia care lead to positive outcomes, making this investment both a sound clinical practice and a good business strategy. Care providers can demonstrate this


domain through staff development records associated with music programme participation, documented improvements in team cohesion, and return-on-investment analyses that capture both tangible and intangible benefits of music integration.


Building your evidence base: Practical approaches For CQC assessments, inspectors evaluate evidence in six categories, including individuals’ experiences, feedback from staff and leadership, and insights from partners. Regular music activities provide valuable opportunities to collect compelling evidence across these categories. Consider implementing these practical


approaches: 1. Document musical moments: capture photographs, short videos (with appropriate permissions), and audio recordings of musical activities. These provide powerful visual and auditory evidence of engagement.


2. Gather real-time feedback: keep a dedicated notebook during music sessions to record immediate resident responses, breakthrough moments, and staff observations.


3. Track quantifiable outcomes: monitor and record metrics such as reduced falls, decreased medication use, improved nutritional intake, and enhanced sleep patterns that correlate with music programme implementation.


4. Collect testimonials: regularly gather quotes from residents (where possible), family members, staff, and visiting professionals about observed benefits of musical engagement.


5. Create musical care plans: develop individualised musical profiles for each resident, documenting preferences, responses, and how music is used to support specific care needs.


6. Measure staff impact: survey staff about how music programmes affect their work satisfaction, stress levels, and sense of connection with residents.


Case Study: CQC Excellence at Sabrina House The practical impact of music on CQC ratings is clearly demonstrated at Sabrina


House in Shropshire. This residential care home, which has worked with Live Music Now to integrate music into its care provision, received an ‘Outstanding’ rating in the ‘Responsive’ domain during its CQC inspection. The CQC report specifically credited our


role in improving the lives of the residents, alongside further praise for the work done by the care home staff: “We saw the service had established links


with a music initiative which had led to extremely positive outcomes for people who lived at the home.” The CQC commended staff for their


work alongside our musicians, recognising the ways in which they understood and encouraged meaningful participation, and stated they had “listened and reacted to people, allowing people opportunities to engage and contribute.” A relative of one resident told the CQC


that they had seen a marked improvement in their family member’s wellbeing since participating in the initiative, another commenting: “I shared something with [relative] that I had never experienced before. I cried so much, it was a connection which was priceless.” Sandra Robinson, senior administrator


at Sabrina House, said: “We have been surprised on many occasions by reactions that the residents have had to the live music sessions. The fact that, even if some don’t recollect the last visit, they invariably brighten in mood when the musicians arrive and start setting up.” “We would like to thank Live Music Now


for choosing our Home to take part in their projects. A few of us were sceptical at the start and frankly didn’t see what difference it could make. However, we are not ashamed to eat humble pie and admit that it was the best thing we did. We are now glad that we were willing to ‘give it a go’.” For other care providers seeking to


improve their CQC ratings, Sabrina House offers a clear example of how live music interventions can be strategically implemented to address specific quality domains. Its success demonstrates that integrating music is not merely an additional activity but can be fundamental to achieving regulatory excellence. The evidence from Sabrina House aligns


perfectly with the principles discussed throughout this article – music does not just enhance residents’ quality of life; it can play a measurable role in demonstrating quality across the SAF.


42 www.thecarehomeenvironment.com January 2026 Douglas Noble


Douglas Noble is the strategic director of music in health at Live Music Now, an organisation dedicated to bringing high- quality live music experiences to people with limited access, including those in care settings. Through innovative programmes and partnerships, Live Music Now works to transform care environments through the power of musical engagement.


Conclusion: The harmonious care setting The integration of live music into care settings offers more than enjoyable moments for residents and staff; it provides a structured approach to meeting and exceeding the quality expectations outlined in the SAF. From enhancing safety through anxiety reduction, to fostering leadership development among staff, music impacts every domain of the SAF while creating joyful, connected care communities. Music programmes offer a dual advantage


for care providers preparing for CQC assessment under the SAF. They genuinely improve care quality while generating rich, multifaceted evidence that demonstrates commitment to excellence. In the complex symphony of care provision, music is not merely background – it is a fundamental element that brings harmony to the entire care ecosystem. By embracing structured approaches


to music in care, providers can transform their services while building compelling narratives of quality that resonate with residents, families, staff, and regulators alike. In the evolving landscape of care assessment, those who recognise the power of music to meet regulatory requirements while enhancing human connection will genuinely lead the field. n


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