Creativity & Arts ProgrammeNational Day of Arts in Care Homes
Music often reaches places that words cannot. A familiar melody or dance tune can evoke emotion, comfort and connection, making music-based storytelling a powerful way to support identity, communication and wellbeing. People can participate through listening, singing, movement, rhythm or emotional response. For many, music forms part of the soundtrack to their lives, connected with friendships, celebrations, relationships and significant moments.
Stories That Connect Us
Music connects people across generations and cultures. One song might prompt completely different stories from several people or reveal experiences they have in common.
For people living with dementia, familiar music can be particularly meaningful. The focus, however, should be emotional connection rather than testing memory. Instead of asking “Do you remember this song?”, try “How does this music make you feel?” or “What does it make you think about?”
Listening, smiling, tapping a foot or moving to the rhythm are all meaningful participation.
What It Can Look Like
During one session, a resident smiled as Cliff Richard’s Living Doll began to play. Soon she was singing along and sharing memories of teenage dances, favourite records and listening to music with friends. A simple song became a conversation filled with laughter and connection.
Try:
creating personalised playlists
exploring My Life in Five Songs
using sounds such as birdsong, trains or the seaside as prompts
holding themed sing-alongs
inviting families to suggest meaningful music
combining music with gentle movement
Think beyond music from the past too. Person-centred practice means recognising people’s present-day tastes and discovering new music together.
Bringing Stories to Life
For the National Day, why not create a Stories That Connect Us soundtrack?
Invite residents, relatives and staff to choose a song that means something to them and share the story behind it. These choices could inspire a performance, playlist, dance, artwork or exhibition.
You could even ask different generations to exchange meaningful songs and discover the stories behind each other’s choices.
Every life has a soundtrack and every song has the potential to connect us.
Share with us how you get involved in the National Day of Arts in Care Homes by tagging us on social media, using #AICH2026 or sending your stories to ellie@napa-activities.org.uk
Enjoyed this?
Get NAPA News to your inbox
More from NAPA
Awareness Day |Creativity & Arts Programme |NAPA Member |National Day of Arts in Care Homes
Stories That Connect Us: Celebrating Arts in Care Homes
Activity Providers |Awareness Day |Essential Part of Care |NAPA CEO |NAPA Statement
The Age of Longevity: Living Longer Must Mean Living Well
Activity Providers
More Than a Pet: Keeping Important Relationships Together in Care
