MUSIC DAY HITS THE RIGHT NOTE AT BUTTERFLY LODGE

Residents and staff at Butterfly Lodge in Plymouth really entered into the spirit of national BBC Music Day on Thursday 26 September, enjoying the chance to raise awareness locally in this annual celebration of the power of music to change lives.

The theme for 2019 was music and wellbeing, seeking to increase public understanding of the power of music to inspire, bring people together and make a positive impact.

Multiple Grammy-winning musician, Nile Rodgers, an ambassador for BBC Music Day 2019 who has had personal experience with family members affected by dementia, said: “I know just how transformational music can be for people with this condition.”

The way the day was celebrated at Butterfly Lodge was a great illustration of the benefits music offers in this special environment.

A ‘Music Makers’ session was scheduled for just before lunch time because exercise stimulates appetite, and after lunch residents enjoyed an interactive visit from singer Wendy Bassett.

Wendy dresses up in a 50s style dress and is so full of life. She likes to sing the old classics. and brings an extra microphone so that the residents can sing along with her, which they very much enjoyed.

Evening entertainment was provided by local duo Ken and Tony, and staff created a ‘pub’ atmosphere with small tipples or bottles of ale and nibbles of cheese and crackers. Butterfly Lodge’s chef also created a special cheese, crackers and grape puree for residents with special dietary requirements.

Butterfly Lodge is specialist dementia care home in Agaton Road, St Budueax, Plymouth, and is run by award-winning providers Camelot Care.