Concert at the Park Returns with Powerful Stories and Innovations in Dementia Care

The spirit of collaboration and creativity was alive and well at this year’s Concert at the Park: Sharing Best Practice in Dementia Care, where 3 local care homes: Fairview House, Torry Nursing Home, and Lethen Park came together to celebrate the power of person-centred dementia care.

This annual event, first launched in the summer of 2019 by passionate care leaders Mel (Fairview House) and Nadine (Torry Nursing Home), was created to offer a fresh platform for care homes to share what truly works, not textbook theory, but real-life, impactful practices. After a pause during the COVID-19 pandemic, the event was reignited in 2024 and continued with renewed energy in 2025, bringing together staff, residents, and community members in a joyful celebration of progress and purpose.

Fairview House: Golden Steps and Nursery Project

Fairview House presented its Golden Steps initiative, a programme designed to restore mobility and dignity through movement. A standout story featured a resident who arrived bed-bound and, through dedicated support, now walks with a Zimmer frame and recently performed a ballet routine for fellow residents and staff. The transformation was not just physical, but emotional, inspiring everyone who witnessed it.

Fairview also highlighted its Nursery Project, which uses lifelike baby dolls to evoke nurturing instincts and emotional connection among residents in the Memory Lane unit. The presence of the dolls complete with a crib and gentle routines, has had a profound impact. Residents engage in comforting behaviours such as rocking, singing, and storytelling, which can reduce anxiety, spark long-held memories of parenthood, and promote a sense of calm and purpose. Staff have observed increased verbal communication, emotional warmth, and even improved sleep patterns following interactions with the dolls.

Torry Nursing Home: Sensory Room for Comfort and Stimulation

Torry Nursing Home showcased its Sensory Room, a peaceful retreat designed to soothe and stimulate residents through light, sound, scent, and touch. With fibre optic lighting, calming music, aromatherapy, and tactile objects, the room offers a multi-sensory experience that helps reduce anxiety and agitation. Residents often emerge from the space visibly more relaxed, with improved mood and focus making it a vital part of their holistic care approach.

Lethen Park: Garden Therapy in Full Bloom

Lethen Park shared the success of its Garden Project, where residents actively care for the garden, planting herbs, watering flowers, weeding, and enjoying the fresh air. The garden is more than a scenic escape; it’s a therapeutic space that encourages routine, independence, and social interaction. Residents find joy in nurturing the plants, reminiscing about past gardens, and simply sitting among the greenery. The sensory richness of the outdoors has been shown to reduce stress, improve sleep, and enhance overall wellbeing.

Concert at the Park continues to grow as a beacon of innovation and heart in dementia care. It’s a reminder that when care homes come together to share what truly works, lives are transformed—not just for residents, but for families, staff, and the wider community.

We would like to thank JM for the fantastic music performance and the Duthie Park management for the perfect venue for this event!