Table 1 Positive target behaviour comments offered across the six-week program by carers, PWD and the facilitator

Proxy for PWD 1

4

Lucidity

‘He is really attentive in rehearsal.’

Carer 1

6

‘Looking across these sessions, I’ve noticed us [PWD and themselves] both being more clear, and even more rational after the sessions. That is a big difference and I’d say the impact of working over the weeks.’

Facilitator

2

‘Beautiful to see some members emerge from a fog of confusion as the sessions unwind. That one particular lady, well, she was totally clear by the end of the session.’

PWD 4

2

Energy

‘I feel ready to dance and sing!’

Carer 4

4

‘She seems to have a lot more bounce after the sessions, chattering and singing away.’

Carer 3

6

‘I’m astonished how these sessions have touched me. I can’t really explain why, but I feel much more energetic after singing, which is good, as we often have lunch before coming along so I would normally feel like a snooze.’

Proxy for PWD 6

2

Focus

‘All I can say is that he was alert and responsive throughout. Not that usual these days!’

PWD 1

4

‘I’m ready as I understand music.’

Carer 5

6

‘Yes, singing lets me focus. I just concentrate on what I’ve got to do. It is a time when I can let everything else go from my mind.’

PWD 2

6

Mood

‘I feel pretty, oh so pretty and gay! [quoting words from a song in the musical West Side Story, and laughing]

Carer 2

6

‘It’s marvellous to see him happy, and it lifts my spirits too. Each week it seems to get better. We both look forward to coming.’

Facilitator

4

‘As time passes and you get to know people more, you can see the singing shaping their mood. Someone comes in grumpy and leaves happy and smiling. I work to achieve those sort of outcomes.’

Carer 6

4

Relaxation

‘Singing is a ‘chill pill’. I couldn’t believe my luck when I saw the group advertised. It’s been so lovely. It is really tough caring for Dad, but coming here and singing, well it just washes all my troubles away. I feel so calm afterwards. I reckon that I need it much more than he does.’

Facilitator

6

‘I’m usually worn out by the end of a session as there is a lot to manage. But, I also know that the singing itself gives me a sort of balance and certainly calming effect. Look at these people over this course of singing work, they are ALL much more relaxed than when they first came here six weeks ago.’