A Live Music Concert with Trevor at Fairways

Live music always has a special way of lifting spirits, and whenever Trevor visits Fairways Care Home, it truly feels like we’re off to a concert! His performances are always a highlight on our calendar, bringing energy, joy, and plenty of toe-tapping tunes.

With his wonderful singing and playing, Trevor filled the home with all the songs we know and love. The music sparked magical memories, encouraged dancing, and created moments of real connection between residents, staff, and families alike. From clapping along to joining in a joyful conga line, Trevor’s visit was more than entertainment – it was a shared experience that brought everyone together.

For a little while, time seemed to roll back and we were all young again, singing and dancing without a care in the world. His visits remind us of the joy, connection, and sense of belonging that music can bring.

Music and entertainment really matters at Fairways it isn’t just enjoyable extras  they are vital for residents’ well-being.

Research consistently shows that music can:

-Improve emotional well-being by reducing anxiety, stress, and depression.

-Stimulate cognitive function, helping with memory recall, attention, and communication, especially for people with dementia.

-Trigger vivid memories and provide a sense of identity, reconnecting residents with their past.

-Bridge communication gaps, offering a non-verbal way to express emotions when words are difficult.

-Reduce isolation by encouraging participation, conversation, and connection with others.

🔗 For further reading: The Power of Music in Dementia Care – Alzheimer’s Society

Live music at Fairways care home is about more than enjoyment. Music helps maintain a sense of normality by offering residents the kind of cultural and social experiences they would have accessed before moving into care.

Just as they may once have looked forward to going to concerts, dances, or community events, live performances inside the home recreate that same anticipation and excitement and feelings.

Each visit from a performer like Trevor becomes an occasion in its own right, giving residents something special to look forward to in their diaries. These events break up the routine, create shared memories, and remind us all that life in care can be full of joy, culture,  celebration and good times.

Benefits for Residents:

-Emotional and Mental Well-being: Studies show that music significantly lowers stress and promotes relaxation, helping residents feel happier and more settled.

-Cognitive Stimulation: Engaging with rhythm and lyrics has been found to improve memory and attention (American Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease & Other Dementias, 2018).

-Memory and Identity: Familiar songs act as powerful memory triggers, reconnecting residents with their life history.

-Communication: Music provides a channel of expression beyond words, especially important for those living with dementia.

-Increased Engagement: Residents who may be reluctant to join other activities often respond enthusiastically to music.

Music has a unique way of encouraging physical movement, often without residents even realising they are exercising. A familiar rhythm or upbeat tune can inspire clapping, tapping feet, swaying, or even getting up to dance. For older adults, these small but meaningful movements help to maintain mobility, improve balance, and build physical strength. Importantly, movement to music also stimulates the release of endorphins – the body’s natural “feel-good” chemicals – which boost mood, reduce stress, and create a sense of happiness and vitality. In this way, music not only enriches emotional well-being but also actively supports physical health and resilience in later life.

Did You Know about the benefits of music & movement?

Dancing to music can burn as many calories as a brisk walk and helps improve cardiovascular health (Harvard Medical School).

Rhythmic movement such as clapping, swaying, or marching in place strengthens muscles and improves balance, lowering the risk of falls in older adults (Journal of Aging and Physical Activity, 2019).

Just 10 minutes of movement to music can release endorphins – the body’s natural “feel-good” chemicals – boosting mood and reducing stress.

Group dancing or sing-and-move sessions combine physical exercise with social engagement, shown to enhance both mobility and mental well-being (Frontiers in Psychology, 2020).

🔗 Further reading: National Library of Medicine – Music therapy for dementia

Music also strengthens our sense of family and community at Fairways:

-Social Interaction: Shared singing and dancing encourage interaction and reduce loneliness.

-Shared Experiences: A concert creates lasting moments to talk about and remember together.

-Intergenerational Connections: Music spans generations, making it a natural way to connect with younger visitors and family members.

🔗 Further reading: Frontiers in Psychology – Group Music Interventions in Dementia Care

More than music Fairways is a home alive with joy.

There can sometimes be a misconception that care homes are sterile, restrictive environments where life feels limited. At Fairways, we know the opposite is true. A care home is a family home, full of warmth, laughter, and the everyday routines that make life meaningful.

Just as in any household, music plays an important role – whether it’s the familiar sound of a radio show in the background, a favourite TV music programme, or the joy of live music filling the room. These shared sounds and experiences are woven into daily life, creating comfort and connection for everyone.

Live music in particular holds a special place in our home. For many residents, attending concerts or local music events in the community is no longer practical. Mobility challenges, accessibility barriers at venues, or timings that don’t suit individual routines and comfort needs can all make it difficult. That’s why bringing the music to them is so important.

Having the atmosphere of a live performance in the ultimate comfort of their home means residents can experience all the excitement, energy and emotion of an event. Without the stress or barriers it transforms an ordinary day into an occasion and ensures that everyone can continue to enjoy the music they love, in a way that feels natural, inclusive, and deeply personal.

Trevor’s performances remind us that music isn’t just entertainment, it’s a lifeline to joy, identity and connection. At Fairways Care Home, we embrace these moments as part of our holistic approach to care, where well-being, creativity and community spirit come together.

We are so grateful to Trevor for sharing his talent and warmth with us, and we can’t wait for his next performance. Until then, the melodies, memories, and magic he brought will continue to echo through our home.