Most significant change
Resident evaluation interviews
We're always looking for ways to improve and refresh our methods of working. This week we began a method of evaluation known as "most significant change" (MSC). Spitz administrator Kate Millett visited two residents of Bridgeside Lodge to ask them about what effect, if any, our music sessions have had on them. The following are transcripts of their conversations....
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Resident 1: - perhaps the resident most engaged with our work at Bridgeside Lodge. They have vascular dementia, but is nonetheless very lucid and very engaged with current affairs.
Do you think there have been many changes in your life in the past year?
I’ve heard people say that the last year has been an upheaval and Boris Johnson hasn’t helped. I don’t like Johnson myself, but I don’t think the other one, Keir will help much. The weather hasn’t helped either.
Has music made a difference to you in the past year?
When there is upheaval, I like to play music. It lifts my spirits. It lifts everyone’s spirits I think.
I always liked Jazz, Ella Fitzgerald was my favourite. But that was only listening. Now my interests are more in playing.
The best thing I ever did was get that guitar. I practice it all the time and I like to pass on my knowledge of music.
I’ve met so many people through music here. I’ve made friends and we are like-minded.
And I’ve written songs too. I have a new one that I’m planning. I don’t know what it will be about yet but I know it will be good. It’s in my head.
It was really something to be interviewed on the television. I enjoyed it very much. It was a big moment for me.
I would like to go on stage one day. I think I’m nearly ready. That’s something to look forward to.
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Resident 2. - As Resident 1 talked, they looked out the window and made little eye contact with me. They seemed in a dream-like state but responded easily to the questions.
Do you think there have been many changes in your life in the past year?
A1: I’ve felt in recent months, that I’m going to die soon. I’ve felt it coming for a while and can feel it now. But I don’t mind too much. I am ready for it.
Do you feel peaceful?
I feel like I’m about the die, and I’ve fallen asleep, but then all of a sudden I’m awake again and still here. I don’t know how much longer for. But I’ll be out of here soon and with my family.
Has music made a difference to you in the past year?
Seeing you all here keeps me going. Will you sing me a song? (R2 hummed along to La Vie on Rose as I sang to him.)
I haven’t heard that song in a while. And I haven’t seen you in a long time. It’s awfully kind of you busy people to visit me here. I don’t think I’ll be here for much longer. I need to get out of here.
Music is lovely. I don’t know what I would do without it. It cheers me up and I like to listen to it while the trees move in the wind. Can you see them?
Listening to music makes me feel calmer. I like the piano especially. Will you sing for me?
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While Kate conducted evaluation interviews, Alice Zawadzki, Pete Lee and Nat Keen played for residents.