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TESTIMONIALS

Read what our clients say about us, and what makes Eleanor Music Services absolutely unique.

Bond Care - Brook House Care Centre

I would like to take the opportunity to offer a letter of recommendation regarding the Music Therapy sessions provided by Eleanor Meynell.

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Eleanor has been providing a weekly session on Monday mornings here at Brook House for almost 18 months. These sessions have become a highlight in our weekly programme and is the favourite weekly event of quite a few residents. Residents who otherwise, do not show any interest in other activities, are visibly stimulated by the music. Eleanor has

carefully curated playlists which evoke memories, encourage participation through their beat with the use of percussion instruments and others which have easy to remember lyrics or actions to encourage residents to sing along or extend their arms to "dance" with staff.

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Those who are able to stand, regularly dance with staff. The room is always busy with as

many as 20 residents participating at any given time.

It is heartwarming to watch the smiles appear on faces of residents, and their hands and

legs move to the music whenever Eleanor sings and plays music here.

The sessions are not just beneficial to residents and families, but also to staff. Activities staff have been able to see for themselves in a very demonstrative way, which songs each

resident responds to best. This is a much more reliable way to gather this helpful

information rather than relying on the question being answered by the resident or their

family. This helps them to build playlists for other group activities involving music

(especially themed days) as well as identifying the songs to use in meaningful one-to-one

sessions - music to help them relax, music to get them moving, music to get them talking

and reminiscing. This has helped to make other activities more person-centred and

meaningful and has helped carers to know the appropriate songs to use with each individual to help calm or distract them in times of stress or unusual behaviour.

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As we all work together to help support the physical and emotional wellbeing of residents, it is clear that these sessions help lift their mood which ultimately has a positive impact on the reputation and successful running of the home.

As well as being a meaningful activity which is pleasing in a sensory way, these sessions

also provide musical entertainment which would potentially be more costly if booked simply as a musical performance elsewhere Eleanor's sessions are considerably more interactive, person-centred, provide insight into residents' likes, dislikes and life histories (some will often talk about who or what a song reminds them of) and provides staff with an opportunity to build relationships with residents in a context outside of personal care.

 

We have been able to gather substantial video and photographic evidence of residents heavily engaging with and enjoying these sessions where they may otherwise have been socially isolated. We use this regularly to promote the home on our Facebook page and to provide reassurance to families that their loved ones are being encouraged and supported to participate in these sessions, As such, these sessions serve concurrently as entertainment, therapy, sensory stimulation, reminiscence, gentle chair movement or dancing and as a marketing tool, and therefore represent great value for money. 

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Eleanor is skilled at making sessions bespoke to each care home and I would highly to

recommend her services to any kind of care home as she will always ensure that whatever is delivered is relevant, meaningful and impactful, whatever the venue.

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Yours sincerely

Jacqueline Perdrix

Care home Manager

BUPA - Westcombe Park Care Home

Eleanor has been coming to us at Westcombe Park with her music sessions for over two years now, it is by far our most popular activity, Eleanor takes the time to get to know each resident personally, chatting to them as the session goes on introducing specially requested pieces of music just from a simple comment, even our most challenging

residents respond to Eleanor and her music. Although the other members of staff are always busy the sound of residents enjoying themselves draws them into the room and they will stay and join in. We have also had show rounds come in and join in

the session such is the lively music and laughter that comes  out of the room.

Eleanor and her Music Services are now a well- established part of life at Westcombe Park that we wouldn't be without.

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Abimbola Kehinde, Care Home Manger

Avante Care & Support -
Weybourne Care Home

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We have witnessed first-hand the incredible impact that Eleanor's music, personality, and

genuine care have had on our loved ones. Her wealth of knowledge in care and her ability to connect with people living with dementia has made a significant difference in their daily lives and overall well-being. She is truly amazing!

Our sponsor, Susan, has a personal connection to this program. Her late mother was a

resident in a nursing home and initially showed little interest in engaging with any activities or socializing with others, aside from visits from her family. Over time, she became increasingly isolated and unhappy in her nursing home. However, when Eleanor arrived to perform her magical music with the residents, Susan's mother found joy and began looking forward to this highlight of her week. Even when she became unwell and was nearing the end of her life,

Eleanor continued to provide one-on-one sessions with her, allowing her to enjoy what she loved most from the comfort of her own bed. This heart-warming story deeply touched me, as I personally know Eleanor and have witnessed her dedication to making a difference through her music.

Susan is determined to continue making an impact on elderly people in care homes and

improving their quality of life. I had a meeting with her and Eleanor yesterday, and Susan's story truly touched me. She is a kind-hearted woman who loves making a difference. Thanks to Susan's sponsorship, we can now enjoy another three months of "Music for Health" with Eleanor, who genuinely cares about the well-being of our residents at Weybourne.

 

On behalf of everyone at Weybourne, I extend our heartfelt gratitude to Eleanor for her dedication and to Susan for her incredible support.

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Kind regards,

Lejla Mustafic, Care Home manager

Morden College

I would like to express what Eleanor did and how she supported the whole team at

Morden College. She made such an impact on not only the residents of Morden College

but also the staff. When I was working as the community Centre Manager at Morden

College, this included supporting the entertainment and activities.

Eleanor came into the college and showed me what she could do to support the

residents and those in the care home with dementia. I loved the idea so we both set to

work by starting the activity weekly.

Eleanor firstly went to the residents who were unable to get out of bed due to not weight

bearing. Eleanor would find out their lives and their favourite songs which brought back

memories of their lives.

From then on, during her weekly visits, Eleanor would encourage them to sing with her,

and the words of the songs would come flooding back. In the lounge, the carers would

gather the other residents who could get together and find out what songs they would

like to sing. 17 residents would gather every week and love to sing with Eleanor they

would get up and dance to the songs and this involved the carers also dancing with

them which brought them all together and uplifted their spirits.

We then started a project called THIS IS ME. We investigated the past of each resident

and looked at their lives. They then found the music that would be familiar to them. This

had a massive impact on all the staff as well as the residents because they realised that

they found out more about the resident's individuality and their life stories and this

made them feel part of their lives too. I noticed the staff would start to bring

memorabilia to the sessions and interact with the residents on and more one-to-one

basis which enhanced their well-being and made them feel that someone cared about

them.

This was a fantastic service which Eleanor loved to do, and she made everyone around

her feel important from the residents to the staff. The staff also have a massive part to

play in this and with Eleanor's support, encouraged them to get to know every single

resident individually and encouraged them to take a person-centred approach.

I feel this could be used as a training tool for new starters in care to get to know the

person on a one-to-one and how singing can change their lives.

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Sharon Hutton

Manager of Ann Stroud Court, Sheltered Housing, Crossroads Care, Trustee and former Community Centre Manager at Morden College

Avante Care & Support
Puddingstone Grange

Eleanor has been providing music therapy sessions in Puddingstone Grange care home located in the Royal Borough of Greenwich for just over two years, predominately in the Dementia suite. 

Puddingstone Grange is managed by Avante care and Support. The philosophy of care is Eden. 

As an Activities Co-ordinator working at Puddingstone Grange I have supported Eleanor with singing. I have noticed the remarkable difference in engagement from the residents during the sessions. Their ability to remember the words of the songs has been remarkable. The level in which the sessions is pitched is beneficial to all residents with various needs, cognitive abilities and at different stages in their dementia journey. 

The session is incredibly interactive with musical instruments, dancing, song requests from the residents themselves and of course, Eleanor playing live music. All are encouraged to participate, staff and loved ones. 

As the sessions developed and I noticed the remarkable change within the care setting for the duration of the sessions, I began to consider if I could, perhaps introduce regular music sessions into the weekly activities planning. 

It was through the suggestion of a resident here, to set up a Puddingstone Grange choir that this came about. As it stands today, we have had two performances on a Saturday and regularly sing. The songs we sing are familiar to the residents, partly because Eleanor has sung some of these but also because I researched what songs they may know. 

We were luckily enough to have a keyboard donated and through the performances I have learnt, that two residents can play. This has been witnessed by their loved ones and provided a lovely moment for all. 

The influence of the sessions, has in my mind, left no doubt that music somehow opens up channels and encourages cognitive abilities. 

It has allowed me to enhance my work in my role as an Activities Co-ordinator. 

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Hayley Knight Activities-Co-ordinator 

Sanctuary Care - 
Riverlee Care Home

Eleanor attends the home every Wednesday afternoon for both one to one and group sessions. Everybody looks forward to her arrival.

Eleanor takes time to get to know the staff and residents equally and always involves both in the group sessions which they love as they can let their hair down and experience the joy of music. Eleanor will talk to each resident and resident family member making them feel special and the residents respond very positively. Wednesday afternoons have become something rather special for both residents and staff alike.

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The staff members who attend always take part in the group music making with tambourines, sticks (beating out a rhythm) etc and dancing, they then encourage residents to dance as well. It is great to watch the staff and residents bond in this way where they might not have had the opportunity before. Even I have got up and danced and added my vocals to certain songs which is something I would never normally do.

 

Wednesday afternoons are a highlight in the lives of the residents where music can and does affect them in a very positive way. I feel that with Eleanor's music sessions and her ability to communicate on a personal level with each and every one of them make them feel very special. When residents family members attend they always tell me how wonderful the experience was and they can see the beneficial effects this has on their loved ones.

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Some residents prefer to stay in their rooms so Eleanor will go and visit them, getting to know them and their musical preferences, Eleanor also brings a bluetooth speaker so the resident can have the option of listening to their favourite singers. She always praises their choice of music as she learns about their musical journey through the years, also as the residents describe the choice of song and what it makes them feel which Eleanor thoroughly encourages. I have seen pride and excitement in their faces as she thanks them for their choices. It is a life affirming experience.

I have experienced this personally as I am friends with all the residents and when I get the opportunity, I learn from personal choices of the residents. This without doubt gives my relationship with the resident a stronger bond. I would also say that this is experienced with all the staff who take part.

 

The power of music has myriad benefits for the residents and staff alike as well as the families.

Eleanor is a highly accomplished musician and a beautiful singer who has the ability to reach out to all of us. She has the ability to make everyone feel special.

 

Donald Robson, Maintenance Operator

Private Donor

For a brief hour each week with only one or two musicians, you bring the possibility of immeasurable moments of individual lucidity to clouding minds. You offer a moment of respite to exhausted nurses and helpers. You bring light and hope to families who fear leaving their elderly parents to otherwise institutionalised boredom. In short, your visits transform their home into a living space of creativity and engagement. Who else can do that! And for so little!

 

Paul Woodmansterne

Paul Woodmansterne | Chairman

Woodmansterne Publications Ltd

Family members & Residents

You shine a light in dark places

David, resident

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Excellent choice of music. My wife hasn’t managed to talk for 16 months, though she can see, hear etc and she sang several songs. She’ll soon be talking, I’m certain. Really enjoyed.

Ray Osbourne (husband)

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This was so wonderful. Mum who has advanced dementia really engaged with the singing/music and dancing. It made her happy and smiling. Thank you so much! 

Daughter of resident

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Not only enjoy her singing - BUT also enjoy resident reactions. 

Derek Bruce, resident 

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