Music lifts spirits at James Terry Court for Stress Awareness Month

Above: JTC Croakers, the care home’s residents’ choir practice for their next performance at James Terry Court, in South Croydon. 

To mark Stress Awareness Month in April, residents and staff at James Terry Court, in South Croydon, are celebrating the power of music to support wellbeing and reduce stress.

Music plays a big part in life at the Home. The JTC Croakers, the residents’ choir, meet twice a week to rehearse and perform. They have recently held special recitals for Burns Night and St Patrick’s Day, and are now preparing for Easter. The choir also tours the Home so that residents who can’t get to the main event still get to enjoy the music. Another powerful initiative is the Sing-A-round, where a small group of residents sing to those who are living in bed.

Susie, one of the Activities Coordinators at James Terry Court, says:

Music brings everyone together. It lifts moods and helps ease stress. We see how much it means to the residents, especially those living with dementia.

A recent favourite is the Silent Disco, where residents wear headphones and enjoy music in their own way. This creates a calming and personal experience for everyone involved.

Wearing headphones and listening to his favourite tunes, resident Ron enjoys a session of Silent Disco.

“We also host weekly entertainers, from opera singers and violinists to pop and rock performers, so there’s always something for everyone!” adds Activities Coordinator Susie. “There is also a monthly music and movement session run by the McCauleys, a couple who bring energy and fun to the group.”

[Summary: To mark Stress Awareness Month, residents and staff at James Terry Court, in South Croydon, are celebrating the stress-relieving power of music through choirs, silent discos and live performances. Music plays a vital role in the Home, lifting spirits and supporting the wellbeing of all residents, especially those living with dementia.]