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Five Questions With… Cheryl Henderson
Every fortnight, we sit down with people with direct experience of using meaningful music and personal playlists to support people living dementia. In this edition, we are joined by Cheryl Henderson, an education an dementia co-ordinator with Elder Homes.
Hi Cheryl, thanks for joining us. Can you tell us about your job and what motivates you in the role?
I work for Elder Homes Ltd, a private company with two care homes supporting 90 older adults, some of whom are living with dementia. My background is nursing but I am now in my dream role supporting and training staff to help provide the best care and quality of life for the people we support. I feel so strongly that if people know the ‘why’ of their actions, they are more likely to do them.
What made you want to complete Playlist for Life’s Certified Training and how has it helped your professional skills?
We first came across Playlist for Life when it was a new charity and so while we’ve always been aware of it, it unfortunately wasn’t our focus or priority for a while. Completing the Certified Training has really inspired us to ensure we properly role this out within our setting, to try to develop meaningful playlists for as many people as possible. I found that the relationship element of the course was the most powerful for me personally.
Elder Homes has the mantra ‘elderly living with purpose’. What does this mantra mean to you and how does using meaningful music in residents’ care contributed to it?
This comment was from one of our founders and really highlights our focus. Purpose and meaning are so important within all of our lives and we feel strongly this should not alter just because people are living in a care setting or have a diagnosis of dementia. One way we want to help people focus on living with purpose is to ensure that the music they listen to is positive for them, meaningful and evokes positive memories. It is hoped that we will be able to help develop calming, joyful and reminiscent playlists for many of those who live here. It is also a great way to help relatives and friends develop playlists for the person living with dementia, as well as themselves.
Can you tell us about a time you have seen the power of music in action for someone affected by dementia?
To see someone conduct, smile, sing and become less stressed, is a joy to see. Music provokes these responses in a quick way and seems to bypass the need to think or rationalise. One lady was very concerned that what she was watching on TV was real. By putting her playlist on you could see her really relax and visibly watch the stress leave her.
Thank you to Emma for sharing her experience of using meaningful music to support people living with dementia.
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Cheryl's personal playlist
Happy Birthday by Stevie Wonder
This reminds me of my dad, who used to put this on (vinyl) when it was mine or my brother’s birthday.
Beauty and the Beast by Angela Lansbury
My favourite Disney cartoon and one my very talented niece altered for my birthday (the lyrics were changed to, tale as old as time, but not as old as you!)
Dancing Queen by Abba
Immediately transports me back to my uncle’s wedding in the ’70s, complete with a very short fringe and a very flowery bridesmaid’s dress.
How Great Thou Art (hymn)
This is a lovely hymn and one we had at my wedding over 30 years ago.
