Not yet recruitingInterventional

Person-centred Use of Music in residents living with dementia and Associated changes in behaviour in care homes: the PUMA study

The PUMA study aims to see if using personalised music can help people living with dementia in care homes who are experiencing distress, anxiety, or other challenging changes in their behaviour. Often, staff or families use music informally, but this study will train care staff to choose music specially for each resident and use it as part of their daily care plan. Researchers want to find out if this approach can make residents feel better and reduce unwanted behaviours. The study will happen in 58 care homes across England and will compare care homes using this new music approach with those providing their usual care. It hopes to show that music can be a helpful and gentle way to support people with dementia.

At a glance

Status

Not yet recruiting

Sponsor

Sheffield Health Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust

Enrolment target

406

Start

30 Jun 2026

Estimated completion

31 May 2027

The study focuses on dementia and associated changed behaviours in care home residents.

What is this study about?

Many people living with dementia in care homes can sometimes feel distressed, anxious, or become withdrawn. These can be difficult times for them and for the staff who look after them. Sometimes, medicines are used to help with these feelings and behaviours. However, music has often been found to be a calming and connecting tool, even if it's not always used in a planned way.

This study, called PUMA, wants to see if we can use music more effectively. The idea is to train care staff in nursing homes to pick out music that is special and meaningful to each person with dementia. This personalised music would then be used regularly as part of their daily care. The study will look closely at whether this approach can make people with dementia feel calmer, happier, and improve their overall well-being.

The researchers will compare care homes where staff receive this special music training with other care homes that continue with their usual care. They will also check if this way of using music is good value for money. This study could help care homes across the country find new, gentle ways to support people living with dementia.

Key takeaways

The PUMA study explores how personalised music might help people with dementia in care homes.
It aims to reduce distress and improve well-being through tailored music choices.
Care staff will be trained to use music that is meaningful to each resident.
The study compares care homes using this music approach with those providing standard care.
Potential benefits include increased comfort and enjoyment for residents with very low risks.
The study runs from June 2026 to November 2028 and is funded by the NIHR.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for people who live in care homes across England and have been diagnosed with dementia. They should also be showing signs of distress or other changes in their behaviour that care staff have noticed.

To be able to join, residents either need to be able to say "yes" themselves, or they need a family member or another person who can speak on their behalf about taking part. Care staff who work permanently at the care home and are happy to be trained can also take part.

Some reasons a resident might not be able to join include if they don't have a dementia diagnosis, aren't showing any behaviour changes being studied, are only staying in the care home for a short time (like respite care), or if they already receive personalised music as part of their care. Also, care staff on temporary contracts or who expect to leave soon cannot take part.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Do you (or your loved one) have a diagnosis of dementia?
Are you (or your loved one) currently living in a care home permanently?
Have care staff noticed you (or your loved one) experiencing distress or changes in behaviour?
Are you (or your loved one's representative) able to agree to take part?
Does the care home staff member taking part have a permanent contract?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If a care home agrees to take part, it will be randomly assigned to either the 'music intervention' group or the 'usual care' group. If your loved one is in a home in the 'music intervention' group, selected care staff will be trained to identify music that is special and meaningful to each resident. They will then use this music in a personalised way as part of daily care.

The study team will collect information about residents' well-being, how good their quality of life is, whether they are using certain medications, and their experiences with music. This information will be gathered at different times over a 12-month period. There are no extra visits or assessments for residents outside of their care home. Ultimately, the study will run from June 2026 to November 2028, but data for each resident will be collected for 12 months.

Potential risks and benefits

There are several possible benefits to taking part. Residents might feel more comfortable, enjoy their day more, and feel more connected through music that is special to them. Care staff might also feel more confident and skilled in using music as part of their daily work. The possible risks are very low because using music is a gentle approach and doesn't involve any medical procedures. However, in very rare cases, some people might react negatively to certain music. Care staff will be trained to notice this and change the music or stop using it if needed. You or your loved one always have the right to withdraw from the study at any time.

Locations (1)

Sheffield Health Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust
Approximate
Sheffield, England

Common questions

What is personalised music?

Personalised music means choosing songs or types of music that are special and meaningful to an individual resident, often based on their past preferences and life experiences.

Will my loved one have to listen to music all the time?

No, the music will be used in a personalised way as part of their care, not continuously. Care staff will be trained on when and how to best use it.

What happens if my loved one doesn't like the music?

Care staff will be trained to observe residents' reactions. If a resident reacts negatively to certain music, the staff will adjust or stop using it to ensure their comfort.

Do I have to do anything if my loved one takes part?

If you are the designated consultee, you would provide an opinion on whether your loved one should participate. Beyond that, the study primarily involves the care home staff and residents.

Who is paying for this study?

The study is funded by a UK organisation called the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR).

How to find out more

Daniel Hind

d.hind@leeds.ac.uk +44 113 243 1751 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.