Singing out: The Experience of Being Involved in an Inclusive Choir for People Living With Dementia in Regional...

This research explored the experience of facilitating and participating in an inclusive choir for people living with dementia in a regional Australian setting.

Sing Out Choir, a dementia-inclusive community-based choir in regional New South Wales.

Two focus group discussions were held to explore the experience of choir stakeholders. Audio transcripts were analysed using inductive thematic analysis.

Twenty-five current members of the Sing Out Choir, including people living with dementia (n = 8), informal carers (n = 8), volunteers (n = 6), and choir staff (n = 3).

Four themes were identified following analysis of the discussions: active encouragement promotes engagement with the choir; the choir as a place of inclusiveness and belonging; the positive benefits of choir participation; and the complexities of establishing and sustaining a dementia-inclusive choir in a regional setting.

The Sing Out choir provides an important opportunity for meaningful social connection for people living with dementia and their carers in this regional area. Establishing and sustaining dementia-inclusive choirs in rural and regional settings require significant time and commitment to secure initial and ongoing funding, appropriately experienced staff, an appropriate venue, and volunteer support.