The benefits of silent discos in aged care

Silent dancing and singing has become a daily ritual for residents at the Bolton Clarke Holly facility.

The home recently added the Resparke activity to their program, which allows residents to put on headphones and enjoy a shared music and movement experience clearly and without distractions while on the move.

Holly personal care worker Courtnie Noble said the technology, which provides headphones for up to 10 residents connected to a single device, has made a huge difference, especially for people with hearing difficulties and dementia.

“We have been using the kits every afternoon as some residents with dementia can experience agitation in the evenings,” Noble said.

“It has been so beneficial and easy because they can just pop the headphones on and hear whatever song they request.

“Some of them haven’t been able to hear their music in a long time so it’s lovely to see their faces light up as soon as we put the headphones on.

“It brings the residents together and encourages them to be more involved. They definitely get right into it and it has become a part of their daily routine.”

For Holly resident Margaret, her experience with the program has been invaluable for her wellbeing.

“It’s so calming when I feel worked up or stressed and takes all my worries away,” Margaret said.

“I can hear the music better with the headphones as well and it blocks out all the outside noises.”

The Holly team now has plans to make regular silent discos for residents with a party playlist and glow sticks.

Image credit: iStock.com/Mariia Vitkovska