Vivi Explores the Harmony Between Music and Dementia

It is safe to say that Vivi is a rarity. She is one of those unique human beings you are sometimes fortunate to come across who has lived a million different lives in one. From working for Yamaha to raising three children, running a successful florist business, and studying all kinds of degrees, it is abundantly clear that being stagnant simply isn’t an option.

Vivi began playing the piano at her local church in Indonesia when she was just 14 years old, going on to have a long career teaching both the organ and piano in Jakarta. After this, she began working for Yamaha, the world’s largest music instrument and home audio manufacturer, for several years and was a Master of Ceremonies for various exhibitions and concerts.

Relocating to Perth was next on the agenda for Vivi, as she continued her work with Yamaha, whilst teaching piano at an assortment of Catholic schools, as well as playing at weddings on the weekends. The only thing that managed to slow Vivi down ever so slightly was having her first child, although not for long because after this she then picked up the art of floristry, running her own business for 11 years.

A while later, in what some might say was an unpredictable career move, Vivi took a role at a pharmaceutical machine operation company. The driving force behind this choice was the desire to support her daughter who, much like her mother, had a fascination with music and ended up moving over to Melbourne to study.

Making a Difference with MercyCare

Unfortunately, not long after this Vivi had an accident that required surgery to repair. This was a difficult time for her, but she ultimately found some solace through consistent meditation. It was around this period that Vivi’s Case Manager asked her what she would like to do to build up her strength to return to work.

“Can I play music in an Aged Care Home? Piano, keyboard, organ, it doesn’t matter. I really want to play music in an Aged Care Home.”

It was through her Case Manager’s referral that Vivi found MercyCare’s Maddington Residential Aged Care Home, and right away it was a perfect match. Every week, residents gather for Vivi’s Happy Hour which includes karaoke sing-a-longs, silent headphones, ice creams, and an infectiously joyful energy that would make anybody smile.

Vivi consistently collaborates with both the Occupational Therapist and Spiritual Coordinator at Maddington to ensure that she is kept up to date with the wellbeing of the residents that regularly attend her Happy Hour. She is even learning how to play an assortment of different instruments such as the accordion, harmonica and ukulele to infuse music into the lives of those in palliative care.

Uncovering the Powerful Connection Between Music and Dementia

To develop a further understanding of dementia, a syndrome that several of our resident’s experience, Vivi also decided to undertake studies about the link between music, well-being, aged care, and dementia.

“I learn through the residents. When the music is on, the part of the brain that has not been damaged is the music. They might remember a song they have sung before or played. They just might not know a new one.”

Sherry Edwards, Maddington Wellbeing Coordinator, explained that Vivi was one of the best things that has ever happened to the aged care home.

“She is so very loved by all our residents and families as well. Vivi puts her whole heart and soul into everything she does for our residents every time she is here. We would honestly be lost without her.”

As Vivi reflected on her previous roles, she noted that “when you put your heart and mind into something, you grow both”. One thing we know for sure is that Vivi has both a beautifully big heart and a wonderful mind. Thank you for all that you do!

Do you have any special talents that bring joy to others or simply want to give back to your community? We would love to hear from you! If you would like to volunteer for MercyCare, please visit this page for further information.