A resident at Aberdeen care home received a special bedside performance over the Christmas holidays.
Young dancers from the Maple Leaf School of Russian Ballet performed scenes from the Nutcracker in a gentleman’s room following a larger performance. Rehab Assistant, Amie Aniban (pictured at right), facilitated the impromptu bedside show for the bedridden resident, going out of her way to bring joy and meaning to his day.
“When people come to long-term care, this is their last stop,” says Amie. “They have given a lot. Their working days are behind them and now is their time to be pampered, to be treated with dignity and respect.”
Amie says the resident’s eyes lit up with gratitude as the dancers entered his room. He delighted in their beautiful costumes, pliés, and twirls. “My beautiful late wife was a ballerina,” he said as they blew him kisses.
Performances like these are so important as they foster a sense of connection. They help spark memories, restore joy, and improve quality of life for seniors in long-term care. “All of the residents enjoyed seeing these dancers,” says Amie. “A few of them shed a tear as they remembered Christmases past. Some recalled their earlier years as ballet dancers.”
Special programs – be they concerts, ice cream days, gardening, music therapy – are funded in part thanks to Eldercare donors. “Thank you to Eldercare donors for making a difference in our residents’ lives for their last remaining years,” says Amie. “Thank you for being our partner in enhancing their lives, and for making our jobs a little easier.”
