The halls are alive with the sound of music
Once a month, HBH Senior Living’s much-loved Day Programme hosts a very special event – a singalong accompanied on the piano by Margaret Williamson.
Margaret has been playing the piano at the event for the past three years and says she looks forward to it as much as the day programme attendees do. “Music contributes so much to their lives. They love the old songs – they bring back so many memories for them and they love to join in. It really brightens them up.”
Music is integral to HBH’s adoption of the ten Eden Alternative principles, a philosophy that puts patient wellbeing at the centre of everything we do.
Principle 5 aims to overcome the three major problems of residential care – loneliness, helplessness and boredom – by imbuing life with variety and spontaneity and creating an environment where the unexpected and unpredictable can take place. The monthly singalongs embody that principle by creating a joyful, inspirational event that residents can look forward to, enjoy every moment and cherish the memories afterwards.
“It is wonderful to be a part of the programme – I find it very rewarding to see our participants so happy and it is such a simple thing we do. We get to know them and really feel so blessed to add a little magic to their day.”
Margaret says that she is lucky to be accompanied by Anne, one of the residents, who leads the singing. “She has a beautiful voice!” she enthuses. “Everyone claps, sings and really has a wonderful time. There is nothing better than making someone’s day brighter.”
