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THE music programme delivered by Kari Harris at the Providence Rest Home on Friday, July 11, brought back fond memories to the residents – from their parents during the World War to their late partners.
The day was enjoyed by residents who sang along to the music and interacted in fun activities.
Harris said she is deeply conscious of the loneliness and isolation of many elderly people in the community.
A few years ago, the music teacher at St Mary’s DSG said she decided to visit some of the rest homes in the Upper Highway to sing Christmas Carols with the residents.
@caxtonlocalmedia Music teacher, Kari Harris brought some joy to the elderly folks at various old age homes with her latest Musical Programme: ‘Take a Trip Down Memory Lane’ #highwaymail ♬ original sound – caxtonlocalmedia
“Music is such a powerful medium of bringing joy, so I decided to use this tool to bring some laughter and entertainment into the Rest Homes. I like to think that I sing ‘with’ the residents and not ‘for’ them. It’s all about their participation and interaction with the music.”
Her latest Musical Programme: ‘Take a Trip Down Memory Lane’, included songs from the wartime era such as When you’re smiling, You are my sunshine, Pack up your troubles, It’s a long way to Tipperary, and We’ll meet again.
Mary Ley, Joyce Makin and Ivy Whittington take a trip down memory lane.
Speaking about the day at the Westville home, Harris said it was incredible to witness how some of these elderly folk, who have full-blown dementia, were able to remember all the lyrics to the songs and sing along.
“I was also fascinated by some of the stories that were shared by folk who had lived through the war. Their lives are rich with interesting memories. Some of these are happy ones, but there are also times when they become teary during the singing.”
Harris added that it brings her incredible joy to see the elderly interact and to hear them sing along.
Moira Ross and Serene De Chazal sing along to old time favourite songs.
“I tease them and tell them they could start their own Rest Home Choir! They laugh at that. I always leave the homes feeling so blessed to have been able to do this,” she said.
Administrator and housekeeper at the Providence Rest Home, Janet Hughes, said it is always a pleasure to have Harris at the home.
“She is such a beautiful person who always comes with so much energy and love for our residents. She willingly gives her time and has been coming here for the past two years. She always entertains them with songs and this time, her music brought back memories.
“Our residents were also spoilt with cupcakes,” said a grateful Hughes.
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