Finding joy through music and meaningful connection
11th September 2026 | 4 min readHow music helps people living with dementia find connection, joy and purpose
Music has a unique way of connecting us to the moments, people and experiences that shape our lives. For people living with dementia, meaningful creative activities can help maintain a sense of identity, encourage social connection and create opportunities to share talents and passions with others.
At Opal HealthCare, we're committed to understanding what matters most to each resident. Sometimes, that starts with a song, a familiar rhythm, or a treasured instrument.
Recently, residents Noel and Arthur rediscovered the joy of making music, each in their own way.
A wish fulfilled through music at Epping Meadows Care Community
Former music teacher and musician Noel is a keen member of our musical groups at Epping Meadows Care Community, singing and playing ukulele alongside friends.
When he expressed a desire to play guitar again, our team sprang into action.
Through our wishing well, we were delighted to present Noel with a new guitar, helping him reconnect with a much-loved part of his life.
With guitar in hand once again, Noel has been rediscovering favourite tunes and sharing more of his musical talents with our Care Community.
It's a simple but meaningful reminder of how creative activities can support self-expression, spark memories and bring people together.
Arthur finds his beat again through the power of music
More than 850 kilometres away at Chiswick Manor Care Community in Sydney, Arthur has also been reconnecting with the music that shaped his life.
By understanding Arthur's life as a musician, wellbeing manager Loretta helped him find his rhythm.
"When Arthur came to Chiswick Manor, life was difficult for him," explains Loretta. "Arthur lives with dementia and was missing his wife, who is living with a challenging diagnosis of her own."
"Helping Arthur find things to lift his spirits was a priority, and we discovered his passion was Cuban music. Arthur's daughters told me he used to play the drums every night with his band in nightclubs - and that he still had his drums."
Loretta worked with Arthur's daughters to bring his beloved instruments to Chiswick Manor, much to his delight.
"Arthur is much happier now, and is highly engaged with life," says Loretta.
"He joins in with the musicians who visit us and participates in our weekly choir. He still has his challenges but seeing and hearing him embrace the joy of music again has been beautiful."
The power of meaningful connection through creative activities
For residents living with dementia, activities that reflect their interests, experiences and personal stories can help create moments of connection and purpose.
Music is one example. Whether singing with others, playing an instrument or listening to favourite songs, creative activities can help stimulate the mind, support dexterity and encourage social engagement. They can also provide opportunities for residents to express themselves, share their talents and connect with the people around them.
By taking the time to understand each resident's story, we're able to create meaningful experiences that celebrate who they are.
For Noel and Arthur, music is more than a pastime. It's a connection to their life experiences, and a way to share their gifts with others.
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Commonly asked questions
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Music has a unique ability to connect with memories and emotions, often remaining accessible even when other cognitive functions have declined. For a person living with dementia, a familiar song can spark memories, reduce agitation, encourage interaction, and provide a non-verbal way to express themselves and connect with their past.
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At Opal HealthCare, a range of music activities are used and tailored to our residents. These can include singing in groups or choirs, playing instruments like the ukulele or drums, listening to personalised playlists of favourite songs, or enjoying performances from visiting musicians. The goal is to reflect personal interests and experiences to create moments of connection.
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Families can play a vital role by sharing their loved one's musical history with the care team—favourite artists, songs from their youth, or instruments they played. Creating a playlist of meaningful music or singing together during visits can be a simple yet powerful way to connect and provide comfort.