Drayton Village Residents Tune Into Memories with Music for Dementia (m4dRADIO)

15th September, 2026
Drayton Village Care Centre residents join m4dRADIO music memories

There was a new sound playing at Drayton Village Care Centre recently, as we welcomed Music for Dementia during the launch of its free m4dRADIO service on DAB digital radio across South and West London.

The m4dRADIO team stopped by Drayton Village as part of its local launch tour, giving residents, families and our team the opportunity to try out a music service created specifically with people living with dementia in mind.

With uninterrupted music spanning the 1940s through to the 1980s, listeners can choose an era that means something to them, without adverts, news or presenters interrupting the music.

For one of our wonderful residents, Penelope, and her daughter Ruth, that meant a trip back to the 1950s.

After spotting the m4dRADIO van outside Drayton Village, the pair decided to tune in together and soon found themselves singing along to Doris Day and Cliff Richard.

Ruth said:

“We saw the van outside and decided to put the radio station on. We’ve been singing along to Doris Day and then Cliff Richard, who my mum actually saw in concert when she was a teenager.”

“We chose the 1950s option, and I think being able to pick an era and mix it up is a great idea. It’s fantastic for my mum and the other residents.”

That little detail about Cliff Richard is exactly why music can be so personal. A song or artist isn’t simply from a particular decade. It can be connected to somewhere someone went, somebody they knew or an experience from their own life.

Laura Steward, Head of Dementia and Lifestyle at Gold Care Homes, explained:

“Music can be incredibly personal. A particular song might be connected to a relationship, a place, a celebration or simply a period of someone’s life that is important to them.”

“When we support someone living with dementia, it isn’t about assuming that everyone of a similar age wants to hear the same music. It’s about understanding the person and finding the music that means something to them.”

That individual choice is something we want to carry into how we use m4dRADIO at Drayton Village. Music might become part of a group activity, provide something for a resident and relative to enjoy together, start a conversation, or simply be something someone chooses to listen to because they like it.

Our incredible Home Manager, Matthew, said:

“What we saw during the visit is exactly why individual choice matters. One resident might want music from the 1950s, while someone else has completely different favourites.”

“Those preferences tell us something about the person, and they can give families and our team something to enjoy and talk about together. We’re looking forward to making the resource part of life here at Drayton Village.”

Amy Shackleton, CEO at Music for Dementia, also added:

“We were delighted to team up with Gold Care Homes with our m4dRADIO DAB launch campaign. Their residents and staff gave us a great reception. It was particularly wonderful chatting to residents about their favourite songs.”

The visit to Drayton Village also caught the attention of BBC Radio, with Amy Shackleton visiting Drayton Village alongside BBC Radio producer Nisha Patel to speak with residents about music and the memories and stories connected to their favourite songs.

Our residents had the opportunity to share some of the music that means something to them, with their conversations featuring in a BBC Radio broadcast exploring the role music can play for people living with dementia.

You can listen to our BBC Radio feature below:

 

A big thank you to Amy, Nisha and everyone at Music for Dementia and BBC Radio who spent time with us at Drayton Village, and most importantly to our residents and families who shared their musical favourites and the stories behind them.

At Drayton Village, getting to know someone means learning about much more than their care needs. Their favourite music, interests, stories, routines and experiences all tell us something about who they are, and finding ways to bring those individual preferences into everyday life is an important part of making our home feel like their own.

And as Penelope reminded us, you never know what stories might be hiding behind a favourite song.

Testimonials

My late wife stayed in the Acton Care Home from the end of April 2018 until 21 September 2018 on which day she died there. In that time my wife was looked after in an excellent manner. All the nurses who cared for my wife were excellent, very professional and also very warm and friendly. My wife’s dignity was totally respected. I cannot thank enough all the staff at Acton Care Home. They deserve a 5-star recommendation.

Dennis S

(Husband of Resident)

Acton Care Centre

My Uncle received excellent care at Alan Morkill House. The staff were always helpful and friendly and he was made to feel happy, secure and comfortable as he spent the last two years of his life there. I would recommend the home to friends and family.

Christine B

(Niece of Resident)

Alan Morkill House

This placement proved a successful one giving my friend the best quality of life. The environment is peaceful and caring. I was most impressed by the kindness and professional skills of the staff in the home. Always going the extra mile.

Kathie M (Friend of a Gold Care Home Resident)

Autumn Vale Care Centre

Since my mum-in-law moved into Baugh House in April they have been nothing but fantastic. She has settled so well. The home itself is spotlessly clean and the staff go over and above to make residents feel at home. And I mean everyone domestic staff, care staff and admin. Ten out of ten to you all.  Can’t thank you all enough for all you do.

Georgina C

(Daughter-in-law of Resident)

Baugh House Care Centre

It’s hard to describe the happiness you feel in this building. The staff really care. I called Dad the other day and could hear music, when I asked him what it was he laughed and said they sing and dance, it makes us laugh. Sums it up really. If you want a home that goes the extra mile in every area then I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Bletchley House. Improvements have been made to the home and continue to be ongoing. The last 6 months have seen many positive changes. Thanks for all you do.

Barry C

(Son of Resident)

Bletchley House

Dad has settled in well. He is very complimentary of the care he receives and says he feels safe and comfortable. I have great peace of mind and am confident he is being cared for. He loves the activities and the company of the other residents.

Lucy S

(Daughter of Gold Care Home Resident)

Brackenbridge House

I visit my Aunt on average three to four times a year and I always notify the staff at Burrows House of my forthcoming visit. Each time I visit I am constantly impressed by the care and kindness towards my Aunt by the staff, all staff. Her physical care is excellent. She is well presented. She is treated with dignity. The staff understand her needs and appear to know her well. Her room is cosy and clean.

Claire R

(Niece of Resident)

Burrows house

Staff have been very supportive to Mum, who has struggled to settle in. Mum has now made new friends and her health and wellbeing have greatly improved. The facilities are fantastic and Mum reports the food is lovely. The staff communicates well and always keeps me informed and updated.
Would highly recommend the home.

Rosalie T

(Daughter of a Gold Care Home Resident)

Drayton Village Care Centre

I would like to say that the personal care provided by the staff who looked after mum on a day to day and long term basis was excellent.

Paul F

(Son of Resident)

Halcyon Days

The staff are friendly and caring. They listen and are very welcoming and attentive.
They looked after my friend well and could not have done any better.

Kylie A

(Friend of Resident)

Hillside Nursing Home

We cannot speak highly enough about Kent House. The staff are excellent, much of the reason for this is the example set by the managers, they are excellent. We are very grateful for the kindness and care they show to all of the residents, it’s a joy to see.

Christine K

(Daughter of Resident)

Kent House

When we visit my aunt she is contented and is well looked after and well cared for. We are very grateful for the way the home gave her such a happy day for her 101st birthday. Staff were very kind to her.

John W

(Son of Resident)

Manor House

The care the staff at Martin’s House give my dad is outstanding. The staff have been exemplary through the COVID crisis and have steadfastly given an excellent level of care during the most difficult of circumstances. Their professionalism and excellent people skills have helped clients and families alike, up to and during the COVID crisis. The staff have all taken the time to get to know me as well as my father. I am so grateful for everything they do for him. My dad is so happy with the care he receives, he is treated with respect and dignity.

Jane S

(Daughter of Resident)

Martins House

The team at Peregrine House are caring and responsive. In this difficult time, they have been meticulous in protecting the residents, keeping them safe and keeping daily life as normal as possible. This is remarkable, given the challenges – every single member of staff has clearly worked tirelessly to maintain safety and wellbeing.

Eleanor K

(Daughter of Resident)

Peregrine House

We are both very happy with the care she gets. Pre covid, I would visit every day, and I have always enjoyed the staff’s company and pleasant manner. I really do appreciate the care the staff give to my wife.

Brian S

Queensway House

We got in touch with St Katherine’s for respite care for Mum when she was extremely unwell with dehydration. They were extremely compassionate and helpful to us when we were in a situation that we were finding difficult to deal with. Every one of the staff has been so kind and caring toward Mum and ourselves. We could not fault the care she is receiving and she is very happy there.

Janis G

(Daughter of Resident)

St Katherine’s Care Home

I can’t say how fantastic the team are at The Tudors in looking after their residents. They are brilliant, always caring, always have time to discuss your relative’s needs with you, and it is clear how much they care about the people they are looking after. Mum is happy and safe; what more can you ask for.

Karen W

(Daughter of Resident)

The Tudors Care Home

Extremely helpful, very friendly, cannot fault the staff. Cleanliness is excellent.

Gillian S

(Wife of Resident)

Willowmead Care Home

Very pleased with Mom’s care. Staff are excellent and provide a first-class service. The home is well managed and maintained., always clean and friendly. We now know Mom is being well cared for and the staff knows exactly how to deal with her needs. Cannot fault St Stephens.

S R

(Daughter of Resident)

St Stephens Care Home

Very welcoming, all staff and management embrace you an make you feel at ease and are very caring to all. As a visitor, they are so friendly and will do anything to help.

Janet W

(Wife of Resident)

Lucton House

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