I often use music as part of a reminiscence session as it can evoke many memories, mostly good ones but not always.

I have found with music and poetry the brain has an amazing capacity to retain the words ( often learnt by rote) and the tunes. Music can stimulate, excite, remind people of the good old days of dancing, romancing, singing to their children or just the pleasure of listening to it and remembering long forgotten tunes and singers.

I sometimes do this by putting a cd on which individuals often sing along to or tap their feet. We regularly have singers and musical theatre companies coming to the home to entertain everyone. I also do music quizzes where I give clues and they have to guess the artist or song. This often leads on to all sorts of reminiscences, fun and laughter.

Lesley Burge, social activities co-ordinator.