Luxury care home group publishes book of residents’ musical memories to benefit charities
In a pioneering move, Dormy Care Communities, a luxury care home group in the UK, has released an interactive book featuring the musical memories of its residents. Titled “Magical Musical Memories,” the book is a compilation of songs chosen by the ladies and gentlemen living in the group’s five homes in Dorset, Hampshire, Wales, and Herefordshire.
But this book is more than just a collection of songs. It also includes personal anecdotes and stories about each song, as shared by the residents during interviews conducted at Foxhunters Care Community in Abergavenny, Brockington House Care Community in Hereford, Pine Martin Grange Care Community in Wareham, Dorset, Bramshott Grange Care Community in Liphook, Hampshire, and Glenburnie Lodge Care Community in Wenvoe.
What sets this book apart is its interactive feature. Readers can use their smartphones to scan QR codes on each page, which will take them to YouTube where they can watch and listen to the chosen song. The book covers a range of musical genres, from classical pieces by Mozart and Beethoven to more contemporary hits by Queen, Tom Jones, and Cyndi Lauper.
The idea for the book was sparked by a study conducted by Anglia Ruskin University in Cambridge, which found that music can reduce stress in people living with dementia. This was further supported by former Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson and the daughter of singer Tony Christie, who shared how music has helped prompt memories for their loved ones.
Helen Davies-Parsons, Chief Executive of Dormy Care Communities, expressed excitement about the release of the book. “We are thrilled to have been able to produce this book showcasing the musical memories of the ladies and gentlemen in our care communities,” she said. “From the songs that we danced to at our first school dance, to the albums that became the soundtrack of our lives, each memory is a testament to the ways in which music has shaped who we are and the moments that have defined us.”
Davies-Parsons added, “Music has the unique ability to transport us back to a specific time and place, stirring up memories that we may have long forgotten. Through the recollections of these wonderful people, these memories will now live on forever.”
The book features the musical memories of several residents, including Doreen Binks from Bramshott Grange, who shares a story about seeing John Denver perform live in Reno, Nevada, without having tickets; John Deadman from Pine Martin Grange, who selects “Lady in Red” by Chris de Burgh in memory of his late wife; and Jane Harding from Foxhunters, who reveals her love for Elvis. Other residents featured in the book are Cherill Forster from Brockington House, who was a devoted Cliff Richard fan, and Peter and Diana Andrews from Glenburnie Lodge, who recall their road trip to the USA while listening to Cyndi Lauper’s “True Colors.”
Copies of the book are being sold for £15 each, with a portion of the sales going to local charities. Those interested in purchasing a copy can contact any of the homes, which can take card payments over the phone and ship the book out to them.
The release of “Magical Musical Memories” is a heartwarming and unique initiative by Dormy Care Communities, showcasing the power of music in evoking memories and bringing joy to the lives of their residents.
Derick is an experienced reporter having held multiple senior roles for large publishers across Europe. Specialist subjects include small business and financial emerging markets.