Gibraltar Nursing Home nestled in Monmouth, recently invited Touchwood Music for a musical experience for its residents, fondly referred to as family members.

Residents at Gibraltar were treated to a sing-along music therapy courtesy of the talented members of Touchwood Music, Martin Kerrigan and Sara Szwer. They have been providing sing-along music therapy and acoustic guitar accompaniment in local care homes, hospitals and community centres for 15 years, and in Gibraltar Nursing Home for more than 12 years.

These interactive activities encourage communal singing and provide a range of instruments for the residents, Touchwood manages to stimulate memory and participation in a relaxed and enjoyable way by playing a wide variety of songs, including George Formby, Tom Jones, Doris Day, Frank Sinatra and The Beatles. Sara expressed, “We always enjoy visiting Gibraltar Nursing Home.

A few years ago whilst playing ‘When I’m 64’ by The Beatles, a lady at Gibraltar cheerfully shouted out that 94 was nearer to her age and it would be more appropriate to sing ‘When I’m 94’. We took her at her word and that has now become the norm, not only at Gibraltar, but also when we do the song elsewhere”.

Gibraltar Nursing Home approach to life recognises the values, beliefs and identity of each person.