Managing the Needs of Care Home Residents With Dementia Through a Music Therapy Intervention

The purpose of this study is to implement and evaluate a music therapy intervention in care homes. The primary aim is to assess whether implementing the intervention will have an impact on unmet in care homes for people living with dementia. Researchers will also examine the feasibility of a music therapy programme in care homes and its effects on care staff and residents with cognitive impairment. Care home staff will also receive training with music therapists via video communications to help staff use music therapy techniques to support people living with dementia.

Inclusion criteria The proposed inclusion criteria for care home residents are as follows: * Participants must be aged 50+ years * Participants will be a resident of one of the 12 care homes taking part * For each participant, there must be clinical evidence of cognitive impairment. This will be determined by a score of 24 or under on the SMMSE * Each participant must display at least one behavioural/psychological symptom of dementia. This will be determined by a score of 4 or higher on the NPI-NH. The proposed inclusion criteria for care home staff are as follows: * Participants must be aged 18+ years * Participants must have worked in the care home for at least 3 months * Participants will be required to have in-depth knowledge of the resident participant(s). This will be determined through communications with home managers to ensure each staff member is paired with a resident they provide regular care for. Exclusion Criteria Exclusion criteria for care home residents: \- Participants who's health appears to be at risk which raises the concerns of their sustained involvement with the study. This would be evident from a health assessment from a general practitioner. Given that this is a music therapy study, this could also include people with a hearing impairment. Exclusion criteria for care home staff: \- Staff who cannot adequately answer on behalf of the residents due to lack of knowledge of the residents.