M’s Journey: Finding Connection Through Music & Personalised Care

When M came to live at Maples, she was living with the challenges of dementia, a condition that has significantly affected her cognition and her ability to communicate verbally. As her dementia progressed, communicating her needs became more difficult for M. The team at Maples adapted their approach, learning to understand M through careful observation of her body language and facial expressions. By recognising these subtle signs, staff have been able to provide support that reflects her individual needs and preferences.

Although dementia has changed the way M communicates, her life story and the things she has always enjoyed remain an important part of who she is today. M has lived a rich and varied life. During her working years, she was a bookkeeper at Smithfield Market, an administrative assistant in a hospital and a civilian police staff member at Eltham Police Station. She has always enjoyed being connected with others and supporting those around her.

Music has played a significant role throughout M’s life. She previously sang as part of a local charity group, performing at shopping centres and care homes. She also has a strong passion for supporting children and animal charities, particularly Demelza House, and has always found joy in connecting with both.

As M’s dementia progressed and her verbal communication reduced, the team focused on ensuring she remained included within the Maples community and continued to experience activities that brought her comfort and enjoyment.

Staff support M through lounge activities, one-to-one engagement and gentle encouragement to participate where possible. The wellbeing team also spend dedicated time with her, offering reassurance, companionship and tailored sensory experiences completely catered for M.

A key part of M’s care journey has been understanding what brings her happiness. Working together with M’s son, the Maples activity staff team created a list of her favourite music. A headset was then purchased to allow M to listen comfortably to the songs she enjoys. This has become a meaningful activity for M and has really made a difference to her daily life.

When listening to her preferred music, M responds with smiles, tapping her hands and feet and showing visible enjoyment. Her engagement during music sessions has improved, with staff observing increased responsiveness and emotional expression.
Music has provided M with a way to connect and engage, even as her ability to communicate verbally has changed.

M also benefits from interactions with visiting animals and staff support these moments in a calm and reassuring way, allowing her to engage with an activity that reflects her longstanding love of animals.

For M’s family, seeing her continue to enjoy these experiences has been incredibly important. Her son remains closely involved in her care journey, visiting regularly and working collaboratively with the team to support her wellbeing.

As a member of the Clinical Support team shared:
“Seeing M engaging with music and the visiting animals is such a beautiful thing. Although she is non-verbal, watching her tap her hands and feet when her favourite songs play is amazing. Moments like that are truly special.”

The Activities Team added:
“It’s lovely to see that M can still connect with activities she has always enjoyed as those small responses mean so much for her and for us.”

M’s journey highlights the importance of personalised care and taking the time to understand the individual behind the dementia diagnosis. At Maples, the team has worked alongside M and her family to find meaningful ways for her to remain engaged, included and connected with the things that bring her joy.

For families considering care for someone living with dementia, M’s story demonstrates the difference that compassionate, person-centred support can make. Through understanding, patience and attention to what matters most to each resident, care can help people continue to experience moments of connection and belonging. Contact us to see how we can help support you or a loved one at Maples Care Home.