Emily Winchester, from the Walton-based charity notes: “Research has shown that the introduction of live music into healthcare settings enhances the quality of life of patients, improves communication, empathy and understanding of patients’ needs, and reduces stress and the perception of pain, sometimes leading to the reduction of medication required. There is strong evidence that live music induces positive physiological and psychological changes in clinical outcomes, which can result in shortening the length of stay in hospital.
“One of our main objectives is to enhance memory, improve communication, express feelings and assist with rehabilitation of elderly people who may be living with dementia. We will also look to improve quality of life and wellness, reduce stress and create accessibility to high quality live music for this target group, who might not have the opportunity to partake in cultural activities otherwise.
“Music is used with older people to increase or maintain their level of physical, mental, and social/emotional functioning. The sensory and intellectual stimulation of music can help maintain a person’s quality of life.”