Steeton Court Nursing Home is proud to announce its enrolment in ‘Playlist for Life’, a pioneering music and dementia project designed to harness the power of personal soundtracks to improve the wellbeing of its residents.

The initiative was introduced to Steeton Court via the Bradford Care Association. The Association’s regular activity coordinator meetings serve as a vital hub for local homes, providing a platform to share innovative practices that enhance the quality of life for residents across the region.

Playlist for Life is a UK-based music and dementia charity. Their work is built on decades of research showing that personal music—the specific songs that form the soundtrack of a person’s life—can reduce anxiety, improve mood, and make daily tasks more manageable. For those living with dementia, these familiar melodies can evoke deep-seated memories, providing a unique breakthrough that helps families and carers connect with their loved ones.

As part of the programme, Steeton Court has received a comprehensive resource pack. Residents are currently being supported to complete specialist questionnaires designed to unearth their ‘musical triggers’. These prompts encourage residents to recall songs that remind them of their youth, their favourite holidays, or the sounds of their home towns.

Once these musical histories are captured, the home will ensure that every resident has their own dedicated digital music collection, making their personal soundtrack easily accessible at any time through the home’s media equipment.

Kirstie Beard, Activity Coordinator at Steeton Court, said: “Music is a powerful tool for anyone, but for those living with dementia, it can be a vital lifeline to their past. While it can sometimes be difficult to recall a specific memory on the spot, hearing a certain melody can unlock doors that have been closed for years. We have seen a wonderful response already; the project has brought back memories of dancing at local venues, parents performing in the Steeton Male Voice Choir, and the evocative songs of the post-war era and VE Day. It is incredibly moving to see a resident light up when they hear a song their grandparents sang to them as a child. While music-based activities are always popular here, this project feels deeply personal and especially meaningful for our residents and their families.”

The impact of the project is already being felt within the home. One resident, while listening to Frank Sinatra, remarked: “This is a lyric that relates to me so much,” as the singer performed the iconic line, “I’ve lived a life that’s full.”

By integrating Playlist for Life into its daily care, Steeton Court continues to prioritise person-centred support, ensuring that every resident’s unique history and identity are celebrated through the universal language of music.

For more information about the project, visit www.playlistforlife.org.uk.