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West Farm Care Centre 0191 218 9626
Holywell House Care Centre 0191 270 4549

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Piano playing at West Farm

One of our residents who lives at West Farm has enjoyed playing the piano for most of her life and we certainly didn’t want that to stop when she moved in with us. In fact, it was very important that Crick continued to play at the place she now calls home.

Her real name is in fact Christine but when her nieces were little they couldn’t say her name and would call her ‘Crick’ and this has stuck with her ever since!

Once Crick had settled in, she received a special delivery a few weeks later – her piano – and it now takes pride of place in our living room. Crick still really enjoys playing it and it’s a fantastic addition to our home because she also treats other residents to a session or two of piano practice which they really interact with and respond positively to.

Sarah Avery, our wellbeing champion at West Farm, said: “Playing the piano is such a big part of Crik’s life and wellbeing and we’re so happy that we’re been able to bring it into our home. It not only creates happiness for Crik but for other residents too who look forward to her piano playing and enjoy interacting with the performance.

“Playing a musical instrument is also a great activity for exercising motor and multisensory skills and research shows that piano playing has a great impact on cognitive function and is a great form of relaxation too so it brings many benefits both to Crick and others.

It also shows just how every resident and their interests, values and personality are treated as the individual they are by us which is why each person has their own bespoke care plan, tailor made to meet their own specific needs.

“It’s wonderful to be in another room and spontaneously hear the piano start and the atmosphere it creates. Crik also plays for visiting family members too. It’s a joy to see and listen to.”

Crik playing her piano

What people are saying

  • "I am very pleased with how my mother has settled in and generally how supportive and caring the staff are. This has given us peace of mind knowing that she is safe & well looked after. Thank you."

  • "Our mum has been a resident at Cramlington House for over a year and we have nothing but praise for the friendly, approachable staff and management. We always feel like part of an extended family and when we visit nothing is too much bother. We are completely happy with the standard of care, support and understanding we all receive as a family."

  • "From the first day, I knew it was the place for my mum. Clean, friendly staff, lovely environment! My mum would not get the opportunity to do the activities she is experiencing if she was not in Cramlington House. It is home from home and we can visit anytime. I can't say enough of how great Cramlington House is. "

  • "This is an absolutely superb care facility. The staff say that this is the home of the residents, in which they work - and they evidence that philosophy every day. In the last months of our mother's long life, we took comfort form the fact that she was safe and secure, being well-fed and looked after. The entire care team are brilliant. "

  • "All the staff at West Farm have provided such wonderful care, compassion and support to my auntie. We both feel incredibly lucky to have found West Farm, it’s been the perfect home for my auntie. I can honestly say, hand on heart, every aspect of the care provided by each member of staff at West Farm has been outstanding."