92-year-old resident’s piano wish strikes a chord at Slough care home

A Slough care home’s resident wish struck a chord with the team. 

When the team at Care UK’s Oak House, on Forest Close off Wexham Road, heard that 92-year-old resident Margaret Brown, known by friends as Peggie, wanted to play the piano in front of a crowd again, they were determined to help her get her groove back.

To get her performance-ready, the team arranged for Peggie to have dedicated practice sessions over several weeks. They also set out to organise an evening to remember, sending out invitations and decking the home in balloons and musical decorations. 

On the day of the concert, the local community, residents and families all joined in as Peggie performed a series of classic tunes, with guests commenting that her voice was “reminiscent of Vera Lynn.”

Peggie said: “It was such a memorable day for me and I felt famous during the performance! I loved how everyone joined in on the songs.”

Peggie learnt how to play at eight. She kept on playing into her adult years, practicing and singing with her late husband, with whom she shares a love of music. The couple often visited care homes to perform for the residents throughout the 80s and 90s. 

Peggie left her keyboard at home when she moved into Oak House and started to lose her motivation to play. However, since the team encouraged her to host her own concert, her love for the piano has returned. 

Following the performance, Peggie has offered to continue to perform for her friends at Oak House and has agreed to teach team members how to play the piano. 

The piano concert was part of Care UK’s Wishing Tree initiative, which encourages residents to suggest ideas for new hobbies they’d like to try, places they’d like to visit or even activities linked to past careers. From skiing trips to a fish and chip supper, the programme is designed to help residents lead fulfilling lives.

Bozena Szczepaniak, Home Manager at Oak House, said: “We knew this would be a dream come true for Peggie, and it’s amazing to see how much joy it has brought her.

“Our Wishing Tree initiative is a wonderful way for residents to share their passions and ambitions, and it’s hugely rewarding to be able to make these a reality. Music is proven to improve older people’s wellbeing and quality of life, as well as engaging their memory as they play their favourite songs.

“Peggie’s performance has been a great way to bring all of our music lovers together here at Oak House. I would like to extend a big thank you to everyone who came to the concert and we can’t wait the next one!”

Oak House has been designed to deliver the very best standards of care, providing full-time residential, nursing and dementia care, as well as short-term respite care. There is plenty of space for relaxation and recreation, with facilities including a cinema room, café and hair and beauty salon.