Music for Dementia

How to create a musical moment at home

Do you want to get involved in Thank You Day but can’t make it to a public event? You can still take part using this guide on how to create a musical moment at home.

Here are some ideas to get you started:

  • Sing! Before Thank You Day have a think about some singalong favourites your friends and family might enjoy. Google the song lyrics in advance. Then, on 2 July, bring out the teapot, get in the cakes and start singing.

Don’t forget to have Thank You For Being A Friend on the list. It’s the Thank You Day anthem and is being re-recorded for Music for Dementia and Thank You Day by singing legend Tony Christie. You can find the lyrics and music here

Record yourself singing it and upload on 2 July to be part of the national Thank You Day singalong. Image shows women sitting down singing from a lyric sheet on a music stand.

  • Reminisce together Make Thank You Day special by going through your old CD collection or favourite playlists with a friend or family member.

What memories do different tracks bring back? Why is that song important to you? Are there tunes that remind you of each other?

Dust down an old CD player or go online and start playing tunes together. Who knows where the conversation will take you!

  • Make a playlist – the soundtrack to a loved one’s life We all have a soundtrack to our lives – the tunes that bring back memories of the special people and moments in our lives. Getting all those tunes into a single playlist makes a beautiful gift for a loved one. A 21st century mix-tape!

BBC Music Memories is a great place to start. It’s free to use and offers 30 second clips of tunes in categories such as where someone is from, hobbies and interests, top tracks from different decades.

  • Get dancing! Have 20 minutes dancing in the kitchen. Play the dance tunes of your generation or give some of these classic routines a whirl. Can you remember the steps?
  • The Birdie Song
  • The Macarena
  • YMCA
  • Agadoo
  • The Time Warp
  • The Twist
  • The Locomotion
  • The Hokey Cokey
  • The Hucklebuck
  • Bang the drum! (Or strum the guitar, or play the piano) If you play an instrument or know someone who does, invite them round on Thank You Day and have some live music together. If you don’t play an instrument, why not get out the pots and pans and bang along to some of these drumalong favourites:
  • Kool and the Gang – Celebration
  • The White Stripes – Seven Nation Army
  • Queen – We Will Rock You
  • ACDC – Back in Black
  • The Beatles – Here Comes The Sun
  • The Dave Brubeck Quartet – Take Five