All Solutions

Inclusive Choir for 30 older people "Sing for Joy"

The Problem

Aged care services are funded to provide limited personal and practical support for older people but do not focus on meeting the creative needs of older people for meaningful engagement. For older people who want to participate in the arts there are considerable barriers and little funding for adapting arts programs to suit the needs of older people and those with dementia.
The lack of access to choir/ music making and creative outlets for older people is significant for those who have mobility limits, or need support to read words and learn new songs, thiose who need to sit to sing and need support to participate in something more challenging than a sing a long.
Most people in the Sing For Joy choir live alone and are socially isolated, some have dementia, some have depression and some are frail and need support to get ready and to participate. Some have moved into residential care but still come to choir and want to perform at concerts. Some members have had musical experience and want to continue to be stimulated by learning new repertoire, while others are beginners who love singing. Members volunteer to assist in the choir, providing transport if they can, assisting with choice of repertoire, prerforming solos or duets, preparing afternoon tea and cleaning up , all for a sense of belonging and achivement. The choir leaders are professional musicians and are funded through small grants from the Foundation for Older Australians and fundraising.
The benefits that are seen are considerable, with imporvements in mood, improved breathing and voice production, increased socialisation and friendships and an imporved sense of belonging and contributing to the community.
Information is available through ACH Group, who sponsor the choir through the Foundation for Older Australians.

The Solution

Sing for Joy supports older people and people with dementia to participate in a community choir to learn new songs,singing harmony and part and to perform in the local area. Many people who enjoy singing cannot participate in a regular choir, so this choir is set up to be both challenging and supportive, bringing joy and achievement.