Daytime Discos
by Sing Along Social
Discos for people living in nursing homes, care facilities, for people with dementia, and their carers, friends, and family.
Funded by Creative Ireland Galway
What is Daytime Disco by Sing Along Social?
In October 2024, Craic Mechanics Aoife Mc and Polly Joyce facilitated the first pop up Daytime Disco at St Anne’s Nursing Home in Clifden, Co Galway. The feedback from residents and staff was so overwhelmingly positive, that Aoife Mc organised tours of Nursing Homes, Care Facilities and Memory Cafes in Connemara in 2025 and 2026 with funding support of Creative Ireland, Galway.
Using a playlist of uplifting pop music and familiar old favourites (ABBA meets Bill Hayley), paired with bright and colourful inflatable guitars and saxophones, colourful dress up glasses, silly hats, and soft feather boas, my aim was to bring a bit of spontaneity and sparkle to environments that by their nature rely on routine.
Aoife Mc has put together a team of Craic Mechanic co-facilitators who are also healthcare support assistants or have experience of working with people with dementia and in care.
What people have said about Daytime Discos by Sing Along Social
“I cannot put into words what residents get from participating in your daytime disco. It is so inclusive and cross all barriers such as disability, cognitive decline and challenges such as non-verbal. Staff who had not experienced this before were delighted and amazed at the level of participation. I loved that our staff had so much fun also on the day. It enables our residents to see another side of the team here who deliver the highest level of care every day.”
Bernadette Ni Shuilleabhain, Director of Nursing, Áras Mhic Dara, Connemara
“I was most impressed with how Aoife remembered resident and staff names! This small act made the session so personal and person centred. The music, the props, the equipment were all excellent. Wonderful to see residents and staff dancing and singing but most importantly, participating in the sheer fun and excitement of this session.
Maith thú agus míle, míle buíochas!”
Katie Uí Chuláin, Activities Manager, Áras Chois Fharraige, Spiddal