Thousands of care home residents are missing out on vital music therapy sessions because those who deliver them are not classed as essential workers.
Research shows music therapy is one of the most effective ways of reducing dementia’s psychological symptoms. But many therapists are freelancers and have not been allowed into care homes during the pandemic because they are not classed as key workers.
As a result, many residents have developed anxiety and become reliant on medication they did not previously need. Grace Meadows, director of Music for Dementia, said the services were “vital” for many patients.
The charity campaigns for people with dementia to have free music therapy. She said: “We work with more than 200 organisations that