Gerringong Rotary is continuing its support for people living with dementia by establishing an Alchemy Chorus on the South Coast. 

The first Alchemy Chorus started in Canberra in 2016 when the benefits of music and singing for cognitive function, particularly for people with dementia, was discovered.

A study published in Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, saw that people with dementia experienced “increased levels of interest, responsiveness, involvement and enjoyment, and were more likely to initiate conversations with caregivers” while participating in music programs.  

The choir will gather for weekly singing classes with Antoinette Raynal, the musical director of Katandra Women’s Acapella Choir, with the aim to have two performances each year.

Christa Wood, a member of Gerringong Rotary and leader of the choir initiative, says, “It is about reminding people with dementia that they are still part of the community and valuable members of society, and they can still enjoy normal activities, such as singing with others."

The initiative is set to encourage a sense of normality for people with dementia and their carers.  

“One important aspect is to get the carers socialising with other carers, so they can share experiences and know there are others in the same boat. Looking after the carers is just as important as looking after people living with dementia.”

An ABC report on the Canberra choir

Gerringong Rotary has been involved with helping dementia patients since their 2016 initiative, Social Dancing for People with Dementia.

The dementia-friendly dancing has been popular with over 40 people now attending the fortnightly classes, but Christa says the two initiatives are very different.

“We have a lot of people come to dancing with paid carers, but for singing we will encourage people to come with carers who are a family member or friend, as Alchemy Chorus is an activity that is enjoyable for both the person with dementia and their carer,” she says.

“A paid carer would not get the same benefits out of it, and neither would the person living with dementia, especially if they are being dropped off and left there.”

Dementia dancing started out with five to six couples, and Christa hopes the choir will be similar, starting with a few people and then growing.

With the goal of making the choir as equitable and easily accessible for everyone, Christa is applying for grants to help fund the initiative but encourages gold coin donations from the attendees to help cover some of the costs.

It all starts on Thursday 13 October at Kiama’s Uniting Church Hall from 10am, with weekly meetings from then on. Morning tea will be provided.

Queries to [email protected] or Krista on 0416 202 678