A UKULELE group for older people in St Ives is sharing its love of music to help people with dementia.
The strumming seniors are part of the St Ives Ukulele Group, headed by retired South African film producer Roscoe Behrmann. Together they raise money to provide iPods and earphones to aged care residents with dementia.
“I heard about the scheme in the US and decided to get something similar up and running here,” said former lecturer Roscoe, who gives the iPods to homes around the NorthShore.
Roscoe set about transferring music onto iPods and has since distributed more than 100.
“When I told the growing ukulele group about my project, they all rallied around and have taken up the challenge of supporting the Music and the Minds dementia program,” Roscoe said.
The iPods are programmed with personalised playlists and Roscoe said the feedback is “fantastic”.
“I give the aged care homes a call and ask the residents and their families what kind of music they like.
“Then I compile a playlist for the individual.
“I once had someone who only wanted music from Finland, which was interesting!
“The families and aged care homes say that when the residents get their iPods their personalities change and they come alive.”
Roscoe said while some residents are at first reluctant to put the earphones on their heads, others who are highly unresponsive and not capable of doing anything for themselves come to life and begin dancing when the music starts.
“I’m having a great time putting music on these iPods,” he said. “Knowing we’re making a difference is so rewarding.”
The ukulele group started in 2013 and currently has just over 40 members, who are all seniors and members of University of the Third Age (U3A). “With ongoing funding, we try to give out around five to six iPods a month,” Roscoe said.
The group regularly performs concerts in aged care facilities and has an end-of-year concert every year.
- For details, or to donate an iPod, call Roscoe on 0425-163-031.
