Singing and voicework for those with Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and special needs as well as stroke patients and the carers for these groups: an on-going assessment of the benefits of working with voice to activate and improve muscular, aerobic and cardio-vascular exercise and overall well-being.
Liz McNaughton, M.A.,LL.B
It is difficult to give quantitative data as these people are particularly
vulnerable and the necessary methods for quantitative research would be invasive
and therefore highly counter-productive, interfering with any improvement already
manifesting in greater confidence and self-esteem.
Qualitative feedback shows an overwhelming case for the benefits of introducing
this work into recovery and maintenance strategies in order to gain improved
physical, mental, emotional and social communication skills.
A feeling of well-being dominates the comments in the feedback as well as an
ability to focus on tasks, to co-ordinate, as in clapping and stamping while
carrying out vocal tasks, and an improved memory and general state of mind at
the time of the activity and afterwards.
Music has long been seen as a healer and the singing voice is particularly significant.
However the enjoyment and benefit to many people of choral singing begs the
question of why so many consider themselves unworthy of using their voices to
sing.
The author has approached many groups to encourage voicework as a means of achieving
better health and confidence for the whole person and although this was often
regarded with some doubt, caution and not a little curiosity, when given the
opportunity of holding workshops, the response has been overwhelmingly positive.
Any weakness in tone, pitch or rhythm was as nothing compared with the enormous
joy of making sound more and more freely. Frequency of sessions also showed
improvement in these areas along with good dynamic control.
This paper highlights the benefits of this work and urges others to help build
up a body of information that will stand strongly in the stead of quantitative
data providing a persuasive argument in favour of encouraging this opportunity
for all by convincing doctors, health workers and everyone involved in caring
for these people of the benefits.
With increasing numbers of frail and elderly people surviving longer, the social
significance of providing voice training is clear as it is vitally important
to improve the quality of that lifespan and allow more possibility of worthwhile
and life-enriching activity.
The benefits to carers and cared for are many as are the rewards both professionally
and personally to those privileged to work in these arenas.