The novel coronavirus pandemic has affected millions around the world, but elderly people living in care homes are among those struggling the most.
Because older folks are especially vulnerable to COVID-19, many of them haven’t been able to see or hug their loved ones for months. And cabin fever has only made things harder. That’s why the Sydmar Lodge in England decided to fight boredom with rock ‘n’ roll!
The care home’s residents have spent the past four months in quarantine. Robert Speker, their activities coordinator, knew he had to get creative to keep them entertained.
After brainstorming various activities, he came up with a perfect idea – they could recreate classic album covers!
That’s exactly what they did! With Robert as the photographer and the residents as the models, everyone had a blast dressing up and posing as iconic musicians like David Bowie, Madonna, Adele, Taylor Swift, and Michael Jackson.
Even their caretakers joined in for Queen’s “Queen II” album cover!
“I did the project to make them happy, and I think the models’ families have enjoyed it, with even grandchildren posting about their grandparents, but the risks of COVID means they could be in lockdown for a long time and I want to make it a good time,” Robert said later.
They weren’t the only ones enjoying the project! When Robert shared the pictures on Twitter, they went viral, spreading joy to thousands.
“These are so moving,” one fan wrote. “Reminds me of my 97-year-old grandmother telling me that on the inside she was still 18. Beautiful.”
The incredible response got Robert thinking. Soon, he and the residents agreed they could do more than bring people joy. They could also raise money for charity!
Robert created a GoFundMe campaign to support Dementia Friends UK, Alzheimer’s Society, and Age UK. The page has already received over $3,500 in donations!
While the future is uncertain, these folks are clearly in good hands! Robert is fully committed to keeping lockdown fun, even if it means sacrificing time with his own family.
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