The employees of senior care homes have been a blessing to many families during this difficult time. Many elderly people can't see their loved ones because these facilities are not yet allowing visitors.
The Sydmar Lodge Care Home in Edgware, England, has been on lockdown for four months now. Activities coordinator Robert Speker has looked for creative ways to keep the seniors entertained during this time. He came up with a wonderful idea. He decided to re-create classic album covers with the seniors as the stars.
Robert tweeted out the photos, and they are truly incredible. The seniors shine imitating stars like Johnny Cash, Madonna, and Michael Jackson. Even a few staff members got in on the fun, posing as Queen. For each shoot, Robert drew tattoos and did makeup, photography, and editing. A care home manager helped with hair and makeup touch-ups.
The Sydmar Lodge Care Home in Edgware, England, has had a rough few months. They've been on lockdown since March, which means the seniors haven't been able to visit with loved ones. The staff has been doing the best they can to keep morale high.
Activities coordinator Robert Speker was looking for an idea to lift spirits. He came up with an activity that involved re-creating classic album covers with the residents stepping in as the big-name stars. Robert shared the photos from the shoot, and they were instantaneously a hit.
"These are superb Robert … you warmed my heart and made me weep. Great idea of yours and humble thanks to all your brilliant residents & carers for taking part," one person replied.
"Who chose the album covers? Will there be a 2nd volume? Witty but filled with compassion & humanity too."
"Thanks! I made the suggestions of which albums and which resident best suited the look, or had a vague similarity to the artist," Robert replied.
"Then I proposed the idea to each resident. Gladly all of them were enthused and perhaps a bit bemused by the idea, but happy to participate."
Robert did residents' makeup and drew tattoos on them to make for a great match. Not only did he get them camera ready, but he also handled the photography and editing. He got a care home manager to help with hair and makeup touch-ups.
The Rag'n'Bone Man cover was extra special because of subject Sheila Solomons' connection to the artists. Sheila had told Robert she wanted to see the British artist in concert last year. Robert made it happen, arranging for Sheila to attend the ONBlackheath music festival as a VIP guest. She saw him perform and met him backstage.
These marvelous ideas are a testament to Robert's heartfelt creativity. "Robert, who joined Sydmar Lodge in 2015, has made the activities unique, varied and exhilarating, consistently delivering a through programme of activities," the Sydmar Lodge Care Home website reads.
"He performs his activities with creativeness, ingenuity, individuality, and originality. Robert recently took a resident swimming for the first time in twenty years. Robert has also built up the intergenerational activities with regular visits from local nurseries and schools."
"Robert continues to astound us with his creative, and somewhat 'out of the box' ideas," said Julie Davey, Sydmar Lodge's manager. These ideas certainly speak to that creativity, as did his Activities Coordinator Award at the London Borough of Barnet Care Quality Awards.
"We were very proud to receive Outstanding for Responsive in our CQC visit in 2018, and this award goes to demonstrate sustainability in the activities department."
Someone suggested that the seniors' album covers would make for an excellent calendar. Robert shared a GoFundMe page he created to raise money for more activities. He also said that the calendar suggestion had become quite popular, and they were looking into it.
"I'm Activities Co-ordinator at Sydmar Lodge Care home where the Residents have been in Lockdown for 4 months and it's been my job and privilege to keep them entertained during the COVID crisis with no outside entertainers or family," he wrote on the fundraiser page.
"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. The photography project – recreating Classic Album covers, with the Residents and Carers has raised awareness globally but with no funds for the home which was my original intention."
"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 concluded. His sweet sentiment has warmed the hearts of many. He has raised over £1,300 of £2,000 goal.
Since he tweeted the photos, they have received over 39,000 retweets and over 124,000 likes. It's an amazing story that not only Robert can be proud of but also the seniors themselves. They are a part of something truly special, in a spotlight that reminds us of what it means to be young at heart.
