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Article by David Walker-taken from the Press and Journal- September 13, 2018, 5:21 am

Older patients at a Moray care home and hospital have been given the chance to dance with a new silent disco scheme being piloted in the region.

Pensioners at Dr Gray’s Hospital and Abbeyside Care Home in Elgin have been boogying to their own choice of music through specially designed headphones.

It is part of a new project designed for dementia patients in Australia, with the silent discos revealing huge benefits amongst sufferers, including better focus, increased energy and improved mood.

The first of its kind in the area, the scheme brings the popular activity, often seen at festivals and raves, to Moray pensioners and is a joint project between arts organisations in the region.

Studies have shown that with the aid of music, dementia patients can recall memories and emotions and have enhanced mental performance.

Dancing along to the songs can also be extremely beneficial to older people in improving their balance and preventing trips and falls.

The project was led by artists Graeme Rodger and Mike Inglis as part of a Grampian Hospital Arts Trust project Resonate: Disseminate – a two-year initiative based at Inverurie Community Hospital and Dr Gray’s Hospital, that offers a programme of arts delivery in community healthcare facilities.

Mr Rodger explained why he came up with the idea to introduce silent discos to older people.He said: “The idea came from myself and Mike looking at how we could engage with the hospital community in innovative ways, while linking with locally based professional artists and arts organisation, such as Dance North and Coyote Initiatives. We have seen evidence of the positive impacts of silent discos from other trials and wanted to pilot this idea in Moray.”

A son of one of the participants, known as Robert, praised the energetic activity for making his mother happy.

He said it was “very engaging for mother who is in final stage dementia. Great to see her smiling and trying.”

It is hoped that this pilot will attract funding to offer it to more pensioner groups in Moray.

With binoculars ready, Abbeyside Homes have signed up to the RSPB’s Big Garden Birdwatch 2019. From January 26th-28th, time will be spent counting all garden birds that are visiting our gardens.  The data we gather will be forwarded to the RSPB and used to monitor trends.   We will keep you posted on the results.

Santa and his elves arrived at Abbeyvale on Wednesday the 14th December. The staff and residents enjoyed a lovely buffet supplied by David and his staff followed by entertainment and the opening of presents. Everyone enjoyed a great day with plenty laughter with all looking forward to spending Christmas Day with their loved ones.

Chef David celebrated his 50th birthday on Monday 21st November. Morning coffee and chocolate cake was on the menu as he was joined by Mr & Mrs Yeats along with the Admin and Finance team to celebrate.

On Saturday 3rd September, Abbeyvale held a ‘Fun Day’ in the gardens – and fun was had by all – residents, families and staff – in glorious sunshine.

Apart from staff (some of which were dressed in tutus!) being in the stocks, there were coconut shies, hooking ducks, a bottle stall and a raffle.Everyone present enjoyed a barbeque, with lots of drinks, ice-cream, lollies and chocolate being available all afternoon. Kay.

The Grove Care home made two visits to ‘Tea in the Park’ at Glenlivet in August.

Handyman David drove the mini bus with able help from carers Christine, Nicola and Michelle with added assistance from the Ladies Circle.

A lovely lunch was had and a very enjoyable time was had by all.

On Saturday 12th March, Connie who is a regular attender of the Day Centre accompanied some of the Residents and Staff from Abbeyvale Nursing home to a performance of Sister Act at the local Town Hall. Everyone who attended thoroughly enjoyed the performance and their day out and they are looking forward to the next one. Connie said that she really enjoyed her day and it was change for her and is also looking forward to the next one.

“Some hae meat and canna eat,
And some wad eat that want it,
But we hae meat and we can eat,
And sae the Lord be thankit.”

On the 25th January 2016, the dining room at Abbeyvale Nursing Home was traditionally decorated in tartan and heather in celebration of the famous Scottish Poet Robert Burns. Cathy O’Reilly, one of our volunteers did a fantastic job addressing the Haggis and music was provided from a local Bagpipe Player. Then Supper was enjoyed by all, a customary feast of Haggis, Neeps & Tatties all finished off with a Whisky Dessert.