"Very touched and grateful"

My relative started attending a social group in the Rehabilitation Ward at Albany Hospital.

What we witnessed was awesome. There were three sick people including my relative in similar conditions in the room. There were 2-3 staff members and one older helper in the room when we arrived. They were all busy playing, building and talking.

The main guy was getting ready to make some food and we have asked my relative if they wanted to help. Within seconds, my relative was flipping the sausages and engaging in a light conversation with the carer.

Music was playing and we mentioned to the guy in charge that my relative loved Cat Stevens and Elton John. 5 minutes later, Cat Stevens was playing and my relative was singing along, eyes moist. They really came alive. 

We were very touched and grateful. 

It was by far the best (and most humane) event the hospital offered in the several months my relative has been in the hospital waiting for a spot in a nursing home.

We now know (from research in neuroscience) that lifestyle such as music, physical activity, nutritious food and social activities can tremendously improve people diagnosed with dementia and Alzheimer's Disease. 

We hope very much this program will continue to take effect daily.