GIBRALTAR Nursing Home has partnered with the Monmouth Music for Memories team to create personalised headsets for their family members.

The charity was referred to Gibraltar earlier this year and reached out to offer its services to family members who would like to take part and for whom music has particular meaning. It was an opportunity the home was excited to explore, giving people another way to listen that is personal and familiar to them.

Music is already a big and much-loved part of everyday life around the home, with many family members choosing to take part in Touchwood Music sessions and regular sing-along afternoons. More recently, the home even formed its own choir, The Silver Song Birds.

Studies have shown that for those living with Dementia, musical memory and the capacity to enjoy melodies often remain intact even as they progress on their journey and other memories fade. Certain types of music can reduce distress, and can be particularly comforting, particularly classical music or pieces from a person’s past, such as favourites from a happy time in their life.

Working with the home, volunteers from Music for Memories have been learning about family members by speaking to their loved ones and the Gibraltar team, asking about favourite films and songs, any songs to avoid, and a little of their life history.

From there, their team Jan (Lead Volunteer) and Ruby (Care Home Ambassador) supported by Linda (Community Development Manager) spend time with the family member, playing music from different stages of their life and watching how they respond to different pieces: a tap of the fingers, a flicker in the eyes can be an indication that they are connecting with the music.

Piece by piece, a playlist is built that’s entirely their own. They’ve completed 14 personalised headsets at Gibraltar so far, with six more currently in the pipeline.

They can also adapt their equipment to the individual. Some family members may prefer their music to play out loud from a small speaker, rather than wearing the wireless headphones. For one family member, they housed her speaker inside a plush octopus and it now goes everywhere with her. Another family member, Judy was all smiles as she tried out her new headphones and said “Oh wow, it’s really good!”

A spokesperson from the Monmouth Music for Memories Team shared: “Working with the team at Gibraltar has been a joy from the very start. They have gone above and beyond to help us get to know the people we’re supporting – fitting in around us, suggesting songs, and really acting as our eyes and ears into each family member’s world. Seeing someone like Judy light up with her personalised playlist is exactly why we do this.”

Music for Memories began in the Forest of Dean in March 2024 and extended into South Monmouthshire in September 2025, thanks to support from volunteers, Bridges Community Services and Teams, GAVO, and the local councils.

Team Member Tracy from Gibraltar, said: “Linda, Jan, and Ruby are a joy to be involved with, their kindness and consideration, not only to the family members but the team and the home, making alongside them even more enjoyable.”