Music's Power: Connecting, Confronting, and Healing
In a serene north London care home, an engaging debate unfolds among residents about the release years of Bob Crosby's iconic song, 'When the Red, Red Robin.' This lighthearted moment sets the stage for a profound exploration of music's transformative impact, as shared by Dr. Phil Hammond, a renowned broadcaster, former GP, and patron of the innovative charity, Kissing it Better.
The residents of Cheverton Lodge, led by the charismatic Helen, an 88-year-old resident ambassador, showcase the power of music to bridge generations. With a keen eye, Helen accurately guesses the release year of the song, 1926, sparking a lively sing-along of 'When I'm 64.' This heartwarming scene is part of a larger initiative supported by The Times and the Sunday Times Christmas Appeal, where Kissing it Better takes center stage, offering a unique blend of music, poetry, and fashion shows.
Matthew, the newest resident, joins the merriment with enthusiasm, dancing to Nicola Gossip's lively rendition of 'Hound Dog.' This celebration of music and community is more than just entertainment; it's a strategic move in the healthcare sector. With over a million annual referrals to social prescribing services by GPs, the focus is on non-medical interventions to enhance well-being. These services connect individuals with diverse activities, from arts groups to befriending schemes and exercise classes, fostering a sense of community and belonging.
Dr. Phil Hammond, a key advocate, sees this approach as a much-needed evolution in the NHS and care system, which he believes is in dire need of reform. His involvement with Kissing it Better began during his pediatric work, where he developed the CLANGERS acronym (Connect, Learn, be Active, Notice, Give back, Eat well, Relax, Sleep) to emphasize the importance of daily joys in maintaining well-being. This concept aligns perfectly with the charity's founder, Jill Fraser's, philosophy of 'creative thoughtfulness,' emphasizing human connection at its core.
Dr. Hammond highlights the significance of connection, supported by a groundbreaking Harvard study. The study revealed that friendships are the strongest predictor of long-term well-being, a principle that social prescribing leverages. By engaging community resources like musicians, craft volunteers, and interactions with schoolchildren, Kissing it Better acts as a 'Trojan horse' for human connection, transforming care settings.
Jill Fraser, the charity's founder, emphasizes the magic that unfolds when music, crafts, or shared memories spark conversations. She celebrates the joy of witnessing residents chatting and engaging in meaningful discussions, a result of the music's ability to focus their attention.
Kissing it Better's unique approach goes beyond entertainment; it specializes in enlivening care settings through imaginative projects. The charity encourages young volunteers to contribute their talents, organizing events like car park concerts, fashion shows, and arts and crafts sessions, fostering intergenerational connections.
Dr. Hammond praises the charity's ability to navigate the challenges of the NHS and care sector, where staff shortages are prevalent. He believes prioritizing friendship, kindness, and connection, especially during turbulent times, is a brilliant strategy. Music, according to Hammond, is a powerful tool to confront prejudices about older people, particularly those with dementia.
He shares a poignant anecdote about his mother's experience in a care home for rehabilitation after a hip fracture. Despite her initial reluctance to engage with people with dementia, she found herself conversing with a former medical secretary, Jill, who had served in the RAF. This simple act of initiating a conversation unlocked a world of shared memories and experiences.
Kissing it Better's impact extends beyond entertainment; it compiles a local 'what's on' calendar, offering a guide to community activities for care homes and isolated older individuals. The demand for printed copies is rising, as many residents struggle with technology, making this resource invaluable.
For Dr. Phil Hammond, Kissing it Better represents a tangible and intangible gift. It not only restores faith in humanity but also highlights the profound impact of music and community engagement in healthcare, offering a glimmer of hope in a system that often falls short.
