Iconic albums are brilliantly re-created by nursing home residents
Nursing homes have been compelled to restrict visitors and outside entertainment thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic. To lift the spirits of their residents, this UK facility came up with a project thanks to their activities director.
Sydmar Lodge had to go on lockdown last year March 12, which meant that its tenants were not able to see their families or had any entertainment from the outside world.
Robert Speker, the activities director, thought the residents could use some cheering up. His solution was brilliant. Recreating classic album covers with the elderly folks posing as the rock stars!
Robert had the idea for a long time, but it was the hardships brought about by the pandemic that convinced him to finally go ahead with it.
“We are not a stereotypical care home,” he said. “We don’t really do quizzes and bingos. We think way outside the box. We can’t even see the box.”
So Robert took charge of assigning the album cover he thought best suited each resident.
He also went ahead with the wardrobe, makeup, lighting, and photography. Robert’s goal of keeping the residents ‘spirits up worked. All of them who participated “had a real good laugh” doing it.
Robert shared the residents’ fresh takes on Twitter. Side-by-side photos of the original and recreated covers took social media by storm with the facility and its residents going viral.
Check out 93-year-old Vera emulating British singer Adele in her 21 cover.
Martin Steinberg posed in the front of the English flag just like Bruce Springsteen’s famous Born in the USA.
Roma Cohen did justice to David Bowie’s iconic lightning-bolt painted face with its blue and orange hues highlighted by her white hair.
Toba David looked stunning in her black leather jacket, posing like the King of Pop, Michael Jackson.
Elvis Presley would be so proud of Shiela Solomons who improvised with a walking cane instead of an acoustic guitar.
Lily threw her head back and channeled her inner Madonna.
And the carers were featured in one cover copying Queen!
“Carers have worked very hard during very testing times,” Robert said. “I felt this was a good way to acknowledge them.”
These images have earned thousands and thousands of retweets.
Lots of viewers even suggested that Robert create a book or calendar so he could raise money. May others also recommended and requested for album covers of other artists!
With so many news outlets wanting in on the story, Robert had to ask his sister to help with the project. His wife was still caring for their third child, who was just born a couple of weeks before the project.
Robert took everyone’s advice, raising funds for Alzheimer’s UK and Dementia Friends, two charities chosen by the residents. He launched a GoFundMe with a goal of £5,000.
The campaign has collected £4,168 as of posting.
“As this situation is on-going it could be months before the situation changes for them and the need to keep them happy entertained and full of spirit has never been more crucial,”
Robert wrote.
“Elderly people will remain in lockdown for a long time, and I want to make their time as happy and full of enjoyment and interest as possible.”
Robert’s been working at the nursing home since 2015 and has won awards for his brilliant activity ideas for the residents.
He’s been known for his creativity and inventiveness. Robert’s always made everyone’s stay fun and Sydmar Lodge Manager Julie Davey is more than thankful for Robert.
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