Music Therapy in Care Homes: A Performance With Paul Hobbs
Why is music therapy in care homes important?
At Wellbeing Care, we know that music has the power to bring joy, spark memories, and lift spirits – no matter your age. This World Piano Day, we had the pleasure of celebrating our talented resident, Paul Hobbs, at The Dell.
Paul, 83, has been sharing his love of music for most of his life. Despite losing sight in one eye as a child and the other in his 60s due to macular degeneration, he continues to sit at the piano and play both familiar favourites and his own compositions
Music Therapy in Care Homes: A Performance With Paul Hobbs
To celebrate his passion, we hosted a special concert for Paul, inviting residents, families, and even a local police officer to enjoy his performance. Over 50 guests filled the lounge for two hours of music, surrounded by handmade decorations, including music notes crafted by our residents. The home provided a buffet, and the atmosphere was filled with laughter, applause, and a real sense of community.
“I was about five or six when I started,” Paul shared. “We had a piano at home, and although I went to lessons, I preferred practising on my own. It’s now very difficult to start playing, but once I get going, it takes over. It’s all about the wavelengths and understanding the music. Once you do that, it comes together. I like to continue making music even with the difficulties; it’s part of my whole life.”
About Paul’s Life
Paul’s love for the arts extends beyond music. As an art teacher, he developed a school into the Seagull Theatre, co-owned an art gallery, ran a recording studio, and played guitar in a folk band, writing around 20 original songs with his wife, Elizabeth. His dedication to creativity is inspiring not only to our residents but also to younger generations. “It’s absolutely important for younger people to learn an instrument, especially to play in a group. It is a wonderful feeling,” he said.
Music Therapy in Care Homes
Music has many proven benefits for wellbeing. Studies show that engaging with music can reduce stress, improve mood, enhance cognitive function, and strengthen social connections. For our residents, seeing Paul perform, or participating in music activities themselves, is a powerful reminder of how much joy and connection music can bring.
Joy Henshaw, our Regional Director, said: “We were absolutely blown away by Paul’s performance – and by how many people came to support him. Giving our residents the chance to pursue their hobbies and passions is so important, and hosting this event was truly wonderful. We can’t wait to do more like this in the future.”
At Wellbeing Care, we’re proud to support residents like Paul in doing what they love, creating moments of happiness, and building a community around shared passions.
