During the COVID-19 pandemic, many people felt lonely, but older adults in care homes were especially isolated due to lockdown restrictions. Community musicians also struggled because they could no longer perform or interact with people through music.

In this study, Dr Catrien Wentink (above, left) and Prof Liesl van der Merwe (above, right) explored what making music (or “musicking”) meant to them and to the residents of a care home during this challenging time. As two musicians who had been leading weekly music sessions at the care home for years, they wanted to continue bringing joy to the residents despite the restrictions. When they were no longer allowed to enter the building, they played music from the street while residents listened and sang along from their porches.

To understand their own experience, Dr Wentink and Prof van der Merwe reflected on their memories, song choices, and personal stories. They found that musicking became more than just playing songs — it was a way to show care, build relationships, and create moments of connection when people needed it most. Music helped residents remember happy times, comforted those with dementia, and allowed them all to express emotions in a way words sometimes couldn’t.

At first, they tried to include movement and musical exercises, but they learned that the residents felt more comfortable just singing and listening. This made the researchers realise the importance of adapting to the residents’ needs instead of sticking to their original plans. Over time, their bond with the residents and care staff grew stronger, making the music sessions even more meaningful.

The main takeaway of this research is that music should be encouraged as a form of care during difficult times. With the right precautions, it can help people feel less alone and more connected to each other, even during a crisis like a global pandemic.

=====

Wentink, C., & Merwe, L. van der. (2024). A duoethnography about musicking at an older adult care home during COVID-19. Approaches: An Interdisciplinary Journal of Music Therapy, 16(2), Article 2. https://doi.org/10.56883/aijmt.2024.38