Friday, March 21, 2014

Health Centre Continuing Care Unit receives gift of music

Fort McMurray, Alberta – The Northern Lights Health Foundation is pleased to announce that the Continuing Care Unit of the Northern Lights Regional Health Centre recently received the gift of a baby grand piano. The donation was made generously by Allan Bradley, Vice President of Clinical Operations for Alberta Health Services (AHS) in Wood Buffalo and his wife, Joy. The piano is now enjoyed by the continuing care residents as a part of the Health Centre’s music therapy program. The Health Foundation will host a ribbon cutting ceremony on the Continuing Care Unit in the Health Centre on Friday, March 28, 2014.

“This piano is a welcome addition to the continuing care unit of our Health Centre. Allan’s gift will aid in providing our continuing care residents with the comforts of home,” says Susanne Chaffey, Executive Director of the Health Foundation. “We’re so thankful to Allan and Joy for their generosity and for their ongoing, passionate support of health care in our region.”

Music therapy is one of the many ways Health Centre staff engage continuing care residents during their recreational activities. According to one of many studies, music has shown to increase cognitive abilities in those with alzheimer’s disease but it’s not just residents with alzheimer’s who benefit. Some residents enjoy playing the piano, while other residents like to sit and listen.

“Caring for seniors has been a major part of my career focus for many years. This is because of the opportunities I’ve had to contribute and ensure the continuous improvement of the care and quality of life afforded to seniors,” says Bradley. “Likewise, music (especially the piano) has been a fundamental area of passion in my life. It’s fitting that these two passions have been blended together as I near the end of my involvement with our Home Care clients and Continuing Care residents.”

Bradley has been in his current position with AHS since 2009. In addition to working at the Northern Lights Regional Health Centre, he has worked in various health care leadership positions in Newfoundland and Manitoba. Bradley has a longstanding history of community involvement, is active with his church and enjoys playing piano. He is a proud supporter of the Health Foundation having gifted generously in support of local health care since coming to our region and has served on the Health Foundation’s Board of Directors since 2009. This gift to continuing care will leave a lasting legacy in the Health Centre as Bradley celebrates his retirement at the end of this month.

Established in 1985, the Northern Lights Health Foundation exists to provide funds to support health care priorities within the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo. For more information, visit www.nlhf.ca

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