Barriers and facilitators to accessing and engaging with community-based singing support services in dementia

Polden, Megan and Giebel, Clarissa and Ahmed, Faraz and Brown, Heather and Main, Jeanette and Pendrill, Steve and Holland, Carol (2025) Barriers and facilitators to accessing and engaging with community-based singing support services in dementia. Health and Social Care in the Community. ISSN 0966-0410 (In Press)

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Abstract

Background: Community-based singing services can offer beneficial post-diagnostic support for people living with dementia and their carers. However, despite the benefits, many people with dementia and their carers encounter barriers when trying to access and engage with such groups. This study examined the barriers and facilitators to access and engagement with a singing community support group. Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with people living with dementia, carers, session leaders and volunteers who attended or were involved with a singing support service named “Lyrics and Lunch”. The interviews focused on the accessibility of the service. Interviews were analysed using thematic analysis which was supported by public advisors. Results: Twenty-six people participated in the study. This consisted of seven people living with dementia, 11 unpaid carers, four-session leaders and four volunteers. Three overarching themes were found relating to barriers to access and engagement with singing intervention services: 1) travel, 2) increased reliance on carers and 3) health comorbidities. Two further themes relating to facilitators were found: 1) engagement with music and 2) promoting effective communication and accessibility. Conclusions: A wider availability of support services is needed to improve ease of access, promote continued engagement and reduce travel demands. A greater understanding of these barriers and facilitators could help to improve the accessibility of current community-based singing support groups