Music in the Air at Mercy Place Mandurah

Dulcet tones can be regularly heard at Mercy Place Mandurah, as residents are treated to a musical trip down memory lane thanks to a plethora of 50s and 60s songs being played by ukelele enthusiast and Mandurah local, Lyn Taylor.

Lyn, who has been visiting her husband at the not-for-profit home since he moved in almost two years ago, explains that she had been learning the ukulele and was keen to bring her love of music and her newfound talent to the appreciative seniors at her husband’s aged care home.

“I’ve been really enjoying going to ukulele lessons, the songs we play are so uplifting and feel good, and so, when I asked if the care team would like me to play at Mercy Place Mandurah, it was a definite yes,” says Lyn, who has been married to husband Peter for over 55 years.

“The residents seem to really enjoy my music, even though I’m certainly no professional. I play songs from the 50s and 60s, like Creedence Clearwater and Bill Haley, and many of the residents will have a good old singsong with me.”

Mercy Place Mandurah General Manager, Simone Baxter, says, the therapeutic effects of music for seniors, particularly those living with dementia and other related conditions, couldn’t be overstated.

“Generally speaking, music is an incredible trigger for emotions and memories from our past to emerge, and we are very thankful to Lyn for regularly volunteering her time and performing for our residents,” she said.

“Hearing Lyn’s old-time songs uplifts not just our seniors, but also our care staff, and we always look forward to her visits to our home, particularly when she has her ukulele in hand.”

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