There is growing evidence that music can play an important role in supporting people living with dementia. Research and national initiatives including the Power of Music 2022 report, Music for Dementia, and Playlist for Life have highlighted how music can help reduce agitation and the need for medication, improve mood and communication, and strengthen connection, memory, and identity, even in later stages of dementia care.
Hertfordshire was selected as the second Centre of Excellence for Music and Dementia by the National Academy for Social Prescribing (NASP) through its Power of Music Fund. Led by Age UK Hertfordshire in partnership with the Hertfordshire Care Providers Association (HCPA), Music24, Hertfordshire County Council and other expert organisations, the programme aims to transform dementia care across the county by embedding music into everyday practice.
The programme was designed to respond to a major challenge across dementia care. There is strong evidence about the benefits of music but access to trained music therapists can often be limited due to workforce shortages, cost, and geography. Instead, the programme aimed to focus on training staff within care homes to become “Music Champions,” giving them the skills and confidence to use music to help calm residents in distress, support communication and improve their wellbeing as part of day-to-day care.
Over a two-year period, the programme aims to train Music Champions across 100 care homes in Hertfordshire. Staff were trained to use personalised playlists, singing, movement to support residents during personal care and mealtimes, group activities, end-of-life care or for emotional support.
The Year 1 evaluation shows promising results, providing strong evidence of impact across resident wellbeing, quality of care, workforce development, and benefits for the wider system. It was reported that residents were calmer, more engaged, and more connected, with reduced agitation and distress. Staff also described how they saw improvements in communication, emotional wellbeing, and social interaction. In some cases, residents who rarely communicated verbally began singing familiar songs, making eye contact or reconnecting with personal memories through music.
The report also found that music helped support more personalised and compassionate care. Staff used music proactively during personal care routines, helping reduce distress and create calmer care environments. There were smoother routines, reduced escalations in behaviour and more person-centred approaches. There was increasing use of building residents’ musical preferences into care plans and daily routines.
One resident living with Parkinson’s disease, who had shown limited communication, surprised staff, and family members by singing every word to a well-known Elvis song during a group session. Staff working with that resident described the moment as deeply emotional and an example of how music can help unlock connection and communication even in later stages of illness.
The programme also demonstrated wider benefits for care home staff who said they felt more confident using music to support residents. Managers within care homes said there was better teamwork amongst their staff, with stronger relationships and greater job satisfaction. Music sessions were described as bringing more joy, confidence and meaning into work.
The evaluation also suggested music-based approaches may help reduce the need for medication and other interventions designed to reduce distress. In many cases staff described using music first in response to residents’ agitation or anxiety.
The report highlights how music can be embedded into everyday care in practical and sustainable ways. Music Champions were supported to share learning across teams, while care homes introduced playlists, instruments, and dedicated music spaces to help make music part of everyday life within homes. Staff reported greater confidence, improved quality of care, and enhanced morale, contributing to better retention and a more resilient workforce. The programme also offers strong value for money, creating lasting skills and a sustainable, music-confident culture within homes. One care home manager described the programme as a long-term investment “like a solar panel.”
As the NHS and social care sector continue to focus on prevention, personalised care and community-based support, the work in Hertfordshire adds to the growing evidence that music can play a meaningful role in helping people living with dementia feel connected, supported, and able to live well.
