St Luke’s Hospital Launches Music Therapist-led Community Inclusive Choir for Persons Living with Dementia and their Caregivers

Aims to Reduce Social Isolation and Improve Quality of Life

St Luke’s Hospital (SLH) officially launched its Music Therapist-led Community Inclusive Choir, specifically designed for persons living with dementia (PLWDs) and their caregivers. The programme aims to reduce social isolation and improve the quality of life for individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or dementia, while offering a meaningful opportunity for PLWDs and their caregivers to connect through music.

According to the 2023 Well-being of the Singapore Elderly (WiSE) study, one in eleven older adults aged 60 and above is affected by dementia. Caregivers of PLWDs also experience a significantly higher care burden at 37%, compared to 18% for caregivers of those without dementia. With over 150,000 people expected to live with dementia by 2030 projected by the Ministry of Health, developing effective community-based support systems is crucial.

Addressing Dementia through Community-Based Support

Research highlights the power of music therapy to improve memory recall, reduce symptoms of depression, and enhance overall well-being for PLWDs. Unlike traditional choirs, the focus is not on perfect harmony or mastering musical theory, but on achieving non-musical goals such as improving socio-emotional skills, communication, and quality of life. With a trained and credentialed music therapist, participants’ strengths and weaknesses are assessed,

allowing for necessary adjustments and modifications. This fosters an inclusive, success-oriented environment that promotes social interaction and cohesion.

Piloted from May to July 2024, the choir welcomed 16 PLWDs and their caregivers for weekly sessions. These sessions included vocal warmups, light stretching, and interactive group singing exercises. The 12-week programme concluded with a live performance of Greg Gilpin’s “Why We Sing” on 1 August 2024.

A post-programme survey revealed positive outcomes, with all participants reporting a positive experience and feeling emotionally supported. Caregivers also noted a deeper emotional connection with their loved ones i.e. PLWD through the sessions. Notably, many participants continued to engage in musical activities at home, such as listening to music, singing, and playing instruments – demonstrating the lasting impact of music therapy on their daily lives.

Caregiver and Patient Experiences

Among the participants is caregiver Alice, 58, and her husband Ee Meng, 56, who has young-onset Alzheimer’s disease and aphasia. “Before joining the choir, he often kept to himself. Now his mood has improved greatly, and he has made new friends. Singing is something he enjoys and that can also keep his brain active. We appreciated the individualised attention from the music therapist, who was very patient with us,” shared Alice.

Caregiver Elizabeth, 51, and her husband, 77-year-old Chee Yat, who has vascular dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, also joined the choir. Despite being partially deaf, Chee Yat found joy and confidence in singing. Elizabeth added, “Joining the choir together has been an enjoyable experience. As a caregiver, I can get some respite while participating in a social activity with him. Beyond singing techniques, the sessions have built camaraderie and taught us to look out for one another in the group.”

These stories reflect the transformative impact of SLH’s choir, offering hope and connection to the wider community. Dr Tan Xueli, Lead of Music Therapy, remarked: “Music touches the hearts of those living with dementia in ways words often cannot. Our choir creates moments of connection, expression, and joy for both participants and caregivers. At St Luke’s Hospital, we are dedicated to creating programmes that offer hope, support, and a sense of belonging to those on the dementia journey.”

SLH launched the second run of the Community Inclusive Choir on 5 September 2024, with plans to expand its reach in mid-2025 by introducing a Mandarin choir. This expansion will broaden access to the therapeutic benefits of music to communities across Singapore.

Dementia care has always been a core focus at SLH. Over the years, the hospital has enhanced its services and facilities, including a dedicated inpatient ward, outpatient services at St Luke’s Community Clinic, and various community programmes. SLH remains committed to providing holistic care for PLWDs, offering comprehensive support through assessment, treatment, care coordination, and referrals to community services. Additionally, the hospital supports caregivers by providing education, psychosocial assistance, and connections to valuable community resources.

Music therapy is one of five types of therapy in SLH’s integrated rehabilitative care approach, alongside physical, occupational, speech, and art therapy. Working closely with a multidisciplinary team, credentialed music therapists continue to explore evidence-based interventions for individuals with dementia, Parkinson’s disease, stroke, and those at the end of life, helping patients achieve observable and measurable outcomes.

Interested participants can register their interest for the choir at: https://forms.office.com/r/K11kmTJ1XA
Watch the Community Inclusive Choir performance of “Why We Sing”: https://youtu.be/N4xNCRck_wE

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