Last month, music therapist and new Advisory Panel member Kate Fawcett delivered a Follow-up Visit at Livability Horizons, eager to see how staff were getting on on since their introductory training in summer 2022. Following her visit, Kate described how her time at Livability unfolded:

“I stationed myself in the dining room, knowing that this functions as the hub on a day-to-day basis, so would give me the best chance of observing any music that might be happening spontaneously and would allow me to interact with as many residents and care staff as possible. Sure enough, after a few minutes, a member of bank care staff grabbed a battered guitar from the corner, entirely unprompted (and with no awareness that I was a music therapist), and began to strum and sing for D. He responded with enthusiasm, swaying in his wheelchair and reaching to strum the guitar himself. I offered to tune it (a challenge with one string missing!) and the three of us interacted musically for a few minutes, with D. dancing enthusiastically and vocalising. In the meantime, I noticed that C. had been brought into the room and was watching attentively and smiling. Remembering that she had particularly enjoyed the chime row during the summer, I went in search of it, so she could join in. I found it in the sensory room, along with a number of the other instruments we had provided as part of the training project. I grabbed a few bits of percussion and returned to the hub. Shortly afterwards, St. rolled in – he recognised me and beamed when I greeted him. I went to get the metallophone, which I knew he enjoyed. He joined us – albeit characteristically briefly – with gusto.”

Kate has been very accommodating and provided us with great knowledge on how to support our young adults at Horizons with music therapy.

Staff participant, Follow-Up Visit 2023

I understand how to support the adults individually with music.

Staff participant, Follow-Up Visit 2023

In her report, Kate reflected:

“Adult Learning Disability care work is about being alongside, day by day, moment by moment. It is about getting through those days and moments together – making sure that the things that have to happen do happen and weaving ways for everyone involved (whether carer or cared-for) to explore the rich potential of shared life around and beyond that. In this, it is no different from any other relationship. And, as in any other relationship, music can be a wellspring of support.”

Our thanks to Kim, Georgia, and Hannah at Livability Horizons for making the visit happen.

Do you work with Adults with Learning Disabilities?

If you could be interested to partner with us or find out more about embedding music into the care of the adults you support, we’d love to hear from you; please get in touch!