Adjusting to major life changes can be challenging at the best of times. When you live with dementia it can be extremely more complex, and the fear of losing yourself is so real.

One of our clients Beth has had a bit of a rough trot lately. Living with dementia, and now living alone, Beth was at risk of health complications, depression as well as residential aged care. She struggled to want to get out of bed, and wasn’t interested in taking part in the joyous elements of life.

Engaging with Music

However, thanks to the support and persistence of her children and MannaCare’s Home Care Support worker Sandra, they have supported Beth to rediscover her love of music and a zest for life. Beth and her family have a musical history and as music has good health benefits, Sandra thought it would be a good starting point to aid Beth to re-engage with life.

So it was with this determination of her family, and Sandra that Beth now plays music again. Beethoven is a favourite and she plays violin with Warwick (her son), who is based in Austria using Skype technology.

“It was lovely to hear of her feat having played violin with Warwick. I was very pleased for her,” says Sandra. She can play a tune on the violin, piano and recorder, and for Beth who says she “can’t play”, this is certainly a feat!

It is a lesson to us all, that those who live with dementia are not invisible. Beth can continue to live an active and rich life while living with dementia. It is our role as a community to do the best we can to support people living with dementia to live well for as long as possible. Well done everyone, especially Beth!

For more information about Home Care, get in touch on: 1300 90 20 23 or enquiries@mannacare.org.au