MindHarp and Dementia Care

From 2017-2019 the founders of MindHarp dedicated themselves to creating both a product and a practice tailored to support people living with dementia and their carers. This work was recognised in the 2019 National Dementia Care Awards with a nomination for ‘Best Innovation’. Since then, MindHarp has moved from being an iOS native app to being a web-based app. This makes accessibility much easier, especially for care facilities and private end-users.

Without funding or backing, just the dedicated support of great carers and care homes willing to explore innovation and the power of active play with music, we created something truly magical with genuine impact and positive outcomes.

Key benefits:

24/7 access to active engagement with music

MindHarp overcomes the biggest obstacle to providing meaningful engagement with music which is the cost and availability of musicians and music therapists.

No special musical skills need

End clients (or patients) and carers do not need musical skills or knowledge to use MindHarp. MindHarp the app, and MindHarp the practice is easy to get to grips with.

Multi-faceted benefits and outcomes

The mood-changing and calming aspects of music for people living with dementia is well-documented. We discovered at first hand that there are many other important benefits that MindHarp creates and stimulates.

Testimonials

I have been witness to its many benefits upon my clients. The MindHarp, especially when used regularly, has increased client participation in activities and their general involvement in day-to-day life at the centre. They appear to be more alert, more interested and overall happier since being introduced to the MindHarp. Client wellbeing, confidence and self-esteem have also seemed to drastically improve in the clients involved in using the MindHarp. 


Harriett Fews: Assistant Manager and Qualified Carer, The Peggy Dodd Centre, Bath

MindHarp enables our clients to express themselves in different ways. I have seen a sort of ‘free-ing up’ of behaviours and actions. Very anxious clients seem to get calmness from the different sounds.

MindHarp also diverts some clients from very negative thoughts and actions to very positive. This is a total joy to see.

Staff are really enjoying facilitating this activity and the feedback is both exciting and pro-active.

I see the MindHarp as a tool for us to use here at Peggy Dodd to enable us to move forward in our care for people with dementia.

Nicola Guy: Assistant manager, The Peggy Dodd Centre

Using the MindHarp at our groups has led to some great interactions and really interesting conversations. The MindHarp is not only about music, it can be used to support a wide-range of stimulating activities. Our experience of using the MindHarp has been that it is easy to use, without the need to be a skilled musician and most of all good fun!

Peter Conway, Group Coordinator, Alzheimer’s Society

I have been with two residents 1-1 for some mini MindHarp time. I just had someone who has been non verbal for a few weeks now speak to me and laugh at me. It was a heartwarming, beautiful moment.

 Thanks both – it’s amazing!


Libby Miles, Client Services Manager, Porthaven Care Home Group

…we have a lady with Parkinson’s who has never done anything musical. She’s used the sounds to create something that’s truly hers. It’s an expression of personality. It’s getting back to people being individual but being able to share that - all of a sudden having a talent! They get very proud of what they’ve achieved - they feel they have achieved something. With the MindHarp they are instantly creating something that is beautiful.

…all of a sudden you are in their zone and they are releasing their emotions…as a carer on the receiving end of that, it’s very personal

…the MindHarp is not a child’s toy…it’s adult-like, mature, nobody feels silly using it -  including the carer …The carer has to be open and not interfere - let the player discover it and be flexible with it, allow them to experiment and enjoy it…it’s very hard not to because it’s so much fun! To see them so engrossed is very satisfying.

Julie Adcock, Leisure and Wellness, Wiltshire Heights Care Home (PORTHAVEN GROUP), Bradford-on-Avon

I’ve been fascinated to watch residents explore and use the MindHarp over recent months… People respond to the MindHarp in very individual ways.  One resident is up early, lipstick on, when she knows there’s a session – and she seizes on a ‘Harp, playing with complete absorption.  She also uses it to interact with others – showing them how to work it, encouraging them to try it, and then playing collaboratively with them.

…Carers have also responded with fascination – engaging with those using the MindHarp, trying it out for themselves, and repeatedly saying they feel calmer and more relaxed.  Certainly we have seen an emotional reaction from all of those who engage with the ‘Harp.  For some the reaction is enjoyment, elation, for others it allows the expression of the darker emotions of sadness, grief and even anger.  I am glad to have a tool that allows such emotions to be expressed safely where they can be met with support and love.  

Sarah Crockett, Community Coordinator, MHA care Home Group, Stratton House, Bath