A Highland musician has revealed how setting up an orchestra of care home residents can help dementia sufferers.
John McCruden, a cook at Bruach House care home in Nairn, started running therapy sessions two years ago with residents, and several others from the nearby Carolton facility.
Tamborines, harmonicas, drums, xylophones and maracas are played to famous backing tracks spanning all eras, and costumes – from war clothes to shiny Elvis Presley outfits – are worn by Mr McCruden to elicit memories.
Yesterday the 43-year-old, formerly a chef at the Chapter One restaurant in Forres, said it all started when he recorded 24 residents singing the 1939 classic World War II song “We’ll meet again” by Vera Lynn.
Ever since he has been teaching them how to play different instruments, and last week a 30-piece orchestra performed in front of 80 people at the nearby Clubhouse Hotel in the town’s Seabank Road.
Mr McCruden said that for him, it has been “amazing” to see how the playing of music has benefited residents with Alzheimer’s and dementia and says he would like to see other care homes across the region adopt something similar.
He added: “The inspiration was to try to figure out a way for the residents to do something that we could have for years to come.
“We play the music quite loud to the residents who sit in a circle, and we also use a bubble machine and a laser to create different simulations with the music. We create something where you really get pulled into the music”.
Staff at both homes have also joined in the fun by forming the harmonica-playing Generation Blues Band – and they played alongside the residents during the recent show.
Another public performance with both groups has been planned for next Friday evening, with local professional violinist Rua Macmillan also set to feature as part of the Scottish-themed event.
Last week’s event raised £815 for the residents’ fund and next Friday’s event will also take place at the Clubhouse Hotel.
Lindsay Arbuckle, a staff member who plays in the Generation Blues Band, said: “Most of these people have Dementia and he is treating them through rhythm and vibrations and it’s changed their lives”.