Celebrating Life Through Song: How Music Enriches Lives at Ozanam Aged Care

Choirmaster Peter Stevenson said working in aged care has given him a different perspective on life.

Every Monday at 2 pm, residents of Ozanam Residential Aged Care Home at Garran gather in a communal space and eagerly await the arrival of choirmaster Peter Stevenson.

“He doesn’t want to know if we can sing or not,” 96-year-old Eileen said.

“Everyone just goes, and the sound is quite amazing.”

Southern Cross Care (SCC) NSW & ACT Leisure and Lifestyle Coordinator Peter was honoured with a Catholic Health Australia Annual Award for innovative and outstanding efforts to enhance the pastoral care of older people at a ceremony in Sydney last week.

One of Peter’s key initiatives at the home is the residents’ choir, which blends music with spirituality.

The choir, which includes several centenarians and individuals living with dementia, has become a means of expression, spiritual enrichment, shared purpose, and meaningful engagement for many residents, including those who are non-verbal.

“Music in aged care is vital, absolutely vital – all forms of music are,” Peter explained.

“One of things I do with the choir is to make sure everyone enjoys the music. We have a lady who loves hymns so I make sure we do Catholic hymns, but we also do power ballads, and songs in different languages.”

When Peter first left his music career 16 years ago, he wasn’t sure it was the right decision.

“I’m so glad I did because coming into aged care gave me a different perspective on life away from the spotlight and of being a singer and entertainer,” he said.

“I saw there were good things happening in aged care but thought I could enhance it with a little entertainment and a little humour. To be doing this for other people and sharing the beauty, togetherness and spirituality of music has been incredible. I feel so privileged and so blessed to have gone from a career I really loved to a career I love even more.”

Peter said it was wonderful to see the joy on people’s faces and the empowerment they found through singing in the choir.

“I can connect with older people probably more so than with people my age or younger,” he said.

“I love making people happy.”

SCC Head of Residential Care, Samantha Tosh, said Peter had made a significant impact on the residents, who would often start singing choir songs when they saw him.

“Peter is always looking for new ways to engage residents, listening closely to their needs, tapping into their unique skills and interests, and using his humour and empathy to brighten their days,” she said.

For Eileen and other residents, Peter’s insights and compassion reach even further than the notes carry.

“I’ve known Peter for eight years ever since I came here,” she said.

“He’s worked very hard here with us all. I know that if I have a problem, I can always go to Peter.”