We are passionate about Music Health Plans being created for people living with dementia, and we would love you to join our campaign to make it happen

What is a Music Health Plan?

Many of the important moments in our lives are understood through sounds and songs: perhaps when you were born your parents had a favourite song; when you went to school you had a song to sing; when you got married or at the loss of someone you shared a song. Walking in the countryside or at the seaside we hear sounds that inspire memories from different times in our lives and these sounds enable us to remember and share emotional stories of the impact they have had upon us. For those people who are without words, these moments become even more vital as they are a way to share our joy, our frustration and our love.

We believe that by recording the sound and songs that are important to each individual we have a resource that can assist us, a resource that enables us to understand each other better, discovering more relevant and appropriate ways to communicate.

A music health plan records those sounds and songs that are important to the individual and, if appropriate, the story that goes with that sound or song. A carer or professional worker can then use this resource in the daily life of the person concerned. For example, if we know that a happy memory of a walk in the park is represented for someone by ‘Annie’s Song’ by John Denver, we now have a positive resource for communication. If the person is agitated or distressed, the first response doesn’t have to be medication, it could be to use that melody to change the environment for that person. Those days when carers may feel overwhelmed or professionals feel they have no answer, they can draw on a resource that is personal to each person, tapping into the innate abilities of human beings to respond to sound and rhythm.

What do we want to do?

The Forget Me Notes Project believes that each person living with dementia should have a Music Health Plan, that those supporting a person living with dementia should have the opportunity to work with this wonderful natural resource.

We would therefore like to ask you to send a letter to your MP, MSP or local Councillor, or another person you know who has influence. We have provided a letter below for you to use.

The last few months have been difficult for us all, particularly those living with dementia, and this is a chance to show them how much we value them and take action on their behalf.

Click here to download the letter. You can print it out or fill in the details on the computer before sending.