Playlist for Life Charity How It Works

Playlist for Life Charity How it Works

If you have dementia, the music that has been meaningful in your life – even TV theme tunes or Christmas carols – can make you feel better. Having access to that music on an iPod or other device, means it is available to you at any time of the day or night.

It also helps family carers, relatives, friends, health professionals, care home staff and volunteers. They will all be richly rewarded by their experience of helping people to reconnect with their identity.

Researchers have highlighted the potential for music to alleviate dementia symptoms such as anxiety and agitation, reducing the need for medication.

Research has also shown that even the smallest improvements may delay or negate the need for someone with dementia to go into institutional care. It’s been shown that if people with dementia are offered frequent access to the music in which their past experience and memories are embedded, it can:

•Improve their present mood.

•Improve their awareness.

•Improve their ability to understand and think.

Help their sense of identity and independence.

The Playlist

This is a persons list of music which they can relate to, from when they were young to major events in their life. The important thing is to get the list started as soon as possible, as if it is left till to late the person may never remember.

Ideally everyone should have such a list, just in case, and this is where husbands, wives, children, friends and carer’s can help remind people to get their list in place. Certainly in care homes the list should be on everyone’s personal file so that it can be activated whenever required.

The Player

This can be any portable device, which can play music such as an I pod or other similar devices. On this is loaded the music using a computer. This requires knowledge of the process or having access to someone who could do it for somebody.

In addition the playlist could be on a CD player if that is easier, particularly at a care facility where the music could be shared.

The Cost

The only cost is obtaining the playing device. Some people will have them in the family and those who do not have could buy them or could be obtained form a donation drive.

At this time of year when such devices are given as presents there will be many items which could hopefully be donated

Where Does Rotary Fit In?

Rotary International supports this charity and the Stonehaven Club can help facilitate the process by talking to groups and individuals where required. We would also look to raising funds for purchasing devise where there is a need.

If you would like to know more contact Peter Newell

T 01569 767181M 07538691994

More Information For more information on the charity go to