Pictures: All singing, all dancing show taps into some great memories

RESIDENTS of a Cork nursing home proved you’re never too old to command a stage as they celebrated a talent show with a difference.

Bon Secours Got Talent had something for everyone from songs in Italian to history lessons and tap dancing.

The event which took place at the Bon Secours Care Village in Mount Desert gave residents the opportunity to showcase their talents in the most positive and empowering way possible.

While Bon Secours staff Paul McCarthy and Rebecca Madden stepped in as judges for the event, everyone received a medal for their efforts.

Activities coordinator Julie Tobin said it was important that the show was as inclusive as possible.

She spoke of how some of the residents have exceptional talents that defy conditions such as dementia and other cognitive issues.

Their emphasis on supporting and nurturing these skills is central to the ethos of the facility.

“We don’t have a separate dementia unit,” she told The Echo.

“It is all inclusive. Even though it takes a lot of energy to have that balance it means there is no discrimination and everyone is kept together.”

The facility, which is home to 98 residents, has a sharp focus on activities.

“The reason why we had this talent show was to let families know how important these activities are in their lives.

“While there are many residents with dementia or cognitive issues, the nurses and multidisciplinary team take care of everybody in their own way.

“We don’t think an activity should involve putting someone in a living room to watch television.

“Everyone has a talent that needs to be nurtured.”

Julie described the positive impact of music on one’s emotional and mental health.

“Everybody has a talent but it has to be brought out.

“The importance of activity for the mental and emotional health cannot be emphasised enough.

“Often, you’ll have residents who remember all the songs but don’t remember what they did with their husbands or their daughter.

“Sometimes they don’t even remember their daughter. However, they remember all the songs that we play.

“It’s crazy and amazing at times.

“As long as we do the things that make people happy that’s all that’s important for us.”

Daniel Mullane has been a resident at the nursing home for the last 18 months.

He said he enjoyed the talent show immensely and reiterated the importance of activities at the centre.

“The most important thing is that it gets everybody out of their room.

“You see the importance of music, particularly for those with dementia.

“You’ll see the smile on their face and the feet tapping and that’s a very good sign.

“Activities are so important. I’ve been here for 18 months and am involved in all the activities.

“Cycling is something I really love.”