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Five Questions With… Graham Gardiner
We sit down with Graham Gardiner, Chief Executive, at Ardgowan Hospice, who is using meaningful music to support people through what can be their most distressing chapter.
Hi Graham. Thank you for taking the time to talk to us. Can you tell us about your job and what motivates you in the role?
I’m the CEO of Ardgowan Hospice in Greenock. I’ve been here for nearly 18 months and absolutely love it, one of my best life decisions. We have the beautiful privilege of working alongside the people we care for and their families and friends at what can be the rawest moments of their lives. Knowing that we can figuratively (and sometimes literally) wrap our arms around them and share love, peace, care, and hope is beautiful. That’s definitely worth getting up in the morning for!
What made you want your team to complete Playlist for Life’s Certified Training, and how has it helped you develop care plans for the hospice?
I’ve seen it work with older people at my last place of work and thought it might be adaptable for use in hospice care and so now have more than 15 staff members complete the Playlist for Life training. Music is such a powerful connector. It connects with experiences, people and life itself. One of the benefits of using personal playlists in hospice care we’ve identified is that it builds rapport between the staff and patient, and the patient has something to listen to when they want to find calmness. Another benefit is that it gives families another channel to remember their loved one by and it can also help them when grieving.
Can you tell us about a time you’ve seen the power of music in action for dementia or in another scenario?
My Dad is in the foothills of dementia, and my mum is taking on a lot of caring. My dad always wants to watch his favourite films, which leaves my mum feeling exasperated. I mean, there’s a limit to how many times anyone can watch Die Hard (especially outwith Christmas time!) We’ve managed to get Mum sorted out with a tablet and a Spotify account, and on her first day with the tablet she was listening to Acker Bilk’s Stranger on the Shore, feeling overwhelmed with lovely memories. After a few weeks of this, my mum’s ability to access music, film, and TV independently of Dad is hugely significant. It has given something of herself back to her, and is one of the best respite opportunities she has at the moment. How beautiful is that!
What’s one thing that you do for your own wellbeing that you’d recommend to others?
It’s live music and comedy. You can’t beat going to a gig with one of your favourites and singing or laughing along. I really love going to gigs with upcoming or unheard-of artists. Whilst you get the odd one you vow never to see again; you can come across some real gems. I also recommend playing the drums, I find it utterly therapeutic.
Thank you to Graham for taking the time to talk to us.
Five Questions With is a feature of our Playlisting Professionals newsletter which lands fortnightly with subscribers. Our Playlisting Professionals newsletter is filled with the latest insights on using music in dementia care and training and development opportunities with Playlist for Life. Join the community here.
Graham's personal playlist
Echo Beach by Martha and the Muffins
When my kids were young, we drove up from Nottingham to see my hometown, Prestwick. I refused to let them have children’s songs, so they were indoctrinated by music from the 70s, 80s and 90s. This song was playing as we drove over a hump-backed bridge. The three of us were screaming and laughing. We have never forgotten it.
21 by The lottery Winners
The Lottery Winners is hands down the best live band I’ve ever seen. Hearing them do this live in their hometown of Manchester with my favourite person was so emotional. Find them. Go to one of their gigs. You won’t be disappointed.
Holy Spirit by Stormzy
His Glastonbury set was a moment in British culture that will never be forgotten. This song speaks of his faith. I love both his music and his faith.
Take on Me (A-ha)
This is the unplugged version. I love it when bands play around with their own songs. This changes one of the best-ever pop songs into a beautiful ballad. Wonderful stuff.
Tupelo Honey by Van Morrison
Van has helped me through many bad moments in my life. I could have chosen any number of his songs. This is a great sing-along. Put it on loud. Sing it at the top of your voice. You’ll instantly feel better. Promise!
