Bolton FM Captures Musical Afternoon at Highfield Hall

Bolton FM visited Highfield Hall Care Home in Haslingden recently to meet Louis Timberly, a young pianist who's been entertaining residents across Lancashire and to learn about the impact of music in care homes.

Louis's journey into care home entertainment started close to home. His grandad lives with dementia and his family take him weekly Dementia sessions at a local care home. Watching singers perform each week, Louis noticed the impact that music can have.

"You just see the room completely light up with 50s, 60s and 70s 60s classics," he said. "Cliff Richard, Elvis, all those sort of songs. People getting up, singing, dancing. And I thought, I play piano. I've been doing that for about 12 years now. I'll try and make something of that."

What began as an idea inspired by his grandad has grown into regular performances at homes across the region and we’re lucky enough to welcome him to Highfield Hall.

Our Wellbeing Lead Karen, who's been part of the Highfield Hall team for ten years, joined Louis for the radio interview. She sees first-hand what music does for residents.

"It uplifts them," Karen said. "Sometimes you think they're asleep and we know they're not, because you can see the toes are tapping. Their eyes might be shut, but they're just enjoying that moment. It brings back a lot of memories for them."

Resident Mary was particularly in her element, up dancing several times throughout the performance.

Louis’ dream is to turn this into a full-time career. An unusual path for an aspiring young musician, but one that started from watching what music could do for his grandad.

We're grateful to Louis for bringing his beautiful piano playing to our lounge here at Highfield Hall and to Bolton Radio for sharing how music can bring such joy to people in later life.