HammondCare’s “Dancing with Dementia” brings joy, movement, and memories

It was a day full of music, movement, and magic as up to 60 residents, family members, and staff gathered in the sunny courtyard of HammondCare Horsley in Sydney’s west for the very first Dancing with Dementia event.

With classic tunes from the 1950s and 60s filling the air, the joy was infectious – and the smiles were everywhere.

Music that moves the heart

Organised by Pastoral Care Coordinator Mark Smallman, the event saw residents swaying, bopping, and even twirling along to favourites like Cracklin’ Rosie by Neil Diamond. Even those in wheelchairs joined in, dancing however they could.

“There are no rules – just get involved however you’re able,” said Mark. “It’s amazing how music brings people to life. Even after years of living with dementia, the connection is still there.”

Mark, who joined in the dancing to hit his 10,000 steps for the day, said it was especially moving to see couples dancing together again after decades.

A dance down memory lane

For Lexie Hemmy, a resident at Horsley, the event was a return to her dancing days – and a beautiful moment to share with her family. Her daughter-in-law Belinda Hemmy, from Keiraville, said the day was a highlight.

“Lexie was quite the dancer back in her day – that’s how she met her husband Ron. She was so excited to take part.”



Belinda Hemmy with her mother-in-law Lexie Hemmy and her son Jason Hemmy.

Music for the event was provided by Ken Harris, 78, a regular performer at HammondCare homes who sings and plays favourites through his laptop and speaker setup. Ken said the connection is instant – even in residents with advanced dementia.

The power of music and movement

Executive General Manager of Residential Care Jenny Summerton (pictured) praised the Horsley care team, led by Residential Manager Bhuwan Deo Bhatt, for their creativity and care in launching the event.

A person smiling at camera

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Jenny highlighted the many proven benefits of music and dance for people living with dementia:

·        Reminiscence: triggering cherished memories

·        Exercise: supporting strength, balance and falls prevention

·        Emotional connection: boosting mood and reducing stress

·        Brain stimulation and social engagement

“Even just enjoying the moment brings wellbeing – and you can see it on their faces,” said Jenny.

Plans are already underway to make Dancing with Dementia a regular feature – and it may just inspire other aged care homes to follow suit.

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A special thanks to our contributors

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Caroline Egan

DCM Media, agedcare101

Caroline has a wealth of experience writing within the retirement and aged care sector and is a contributing journalist for the Villages.com.au and agedcare101 blog and accompanying newsletters.

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Ian Horswill

Journalist

Ian is a journalist, writer and sub-editor for the aged care sector, working at The DCM Group. He writes for The Weekly Source, agedcare101, villages.com.au and the DCM Institute fortnightly newsletter Friday. Ian is in daily contact with CEOs of retirement living, land lease and the aged care operations and makes a new contact every week. He investigates media releases, LinkedIn and Facebook for a good source for ideas for stories.

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Lauren Broomham

Retirement and Aged Care Journalist

Lauren is a journalist for villages.com.au, agedcare101 and The Donaldson Sisters. Growing up in a big family in small town communities, she has always had a love for the written word, joining her local library at the age of six months. With over eight years' experience in writing and editing, she is a keen follower of news and current affairs with a nose for a good story.

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Jill Donaldson

Physiotherapist

Jill has been practicing as a clinical physiotherapist for 30 years. For the last 13 years she has worked solely in the Aged Care sector in more than 50 metropolitan and regional facilities. Jill has also toured care facilities in the US and Africa and is a passionate advocate for both the residents in aged care and the staff who care for them. She researches and writes for DCM Media.

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Chris Baynes

DCM Media, agedcare101

Chris has been a journalist and publisher in the retirement village and aged care sectors for 11 years. He has visited over 250 retirement villages and 50 aged care facilities both within Australia and internationally. Chris is a regular speaker at industry conferences plus is a frequent radio commentator.

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Annie Donaldson

Nurse and Carer

Annie has a long career in both nursing and the media. She has planned and co-ordinated the medical support from both international TV productions and major stadium events. In recent years she has been a primary family carer plus involved in structured carer support.