Concerts in Care comes to senior care homes on Vancouver Island

After bringing joy to seniors in care homes in the Interior and Lower Mainland, BCCPA’s “40 for 40” Concerts in Care program is coming to Vancouver Island.

Concerts in Care brings professional music performances to seniors in long-term care homes and assisted living sites across B.C. The concerts are organized by the Health Arts Society, and sponsored through a grant from the BC Care Providers Association. The BCCPA has supported Concerts in Care over the years as part of its commitment to enhance the quality of life for seniors.

Through the program, residents, their families and staff can enjoy stimulating, live performances in the comfort of their care setting.

The Vancouver Island tour begins on October 23rd, and includes stops in Nanaimo, Sidney, Victoria, Parksville, Qualicum Beach, Port Alberni and Campbell River. View the complete tour schedule here. Mayor Bill McKay will attend the performances in Nanaimo on October 23 and 24, and Mayor Steve Price will attend the performances in Sidney.

Myrna Fox, recreational director at Sidney Care Home, says she received an overwhelming response from residents who attended the performance on October 23rd.

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“One of the residents, Iain had tears streaming from his eyes, and said the performance was ‘sublime’. This man was a university professor, and enjoys classical music greatly,” Fox says.

“Others said ‘beautiful’, ‘lovely’, amazing sound’, ‘have not heard music performed like that for years’, ‘we would love to have music like that more often,’ and ‘please get them back’. One gentleman said, ‘It was very good, those two girls know how to play!'”

“We wish to thank BC Care Providers for selecting Sidney Care Home for the “40 for 40” Concerts in Care tour,” she adds.

The program has been well-received not only by residents and staff at care homes but by the Minister of Health and other officials as well.

“Thanks to the BC Care Providers and the Health Arts Society for this amazing concert series,” said Minister of Health Adrian Dix.

“It is a fitting celebration of the ongoing success of the Concerts in Care program and the BCCPA’s 40th Anniversary. Transforming care homes into mini-concert halls, 40 times all over BC, will bring the joy of music and performance to residents, their families and staff. Chapeau!”

The program has also been covered by CBC, Vancouver Sun, and other news outlets.