97-Year-Old Musician Tickles the Ivories for the First Time Since Losing Eyesight

97-year-old talented pianist, Jean Ovens from Foley Grange care home, was ‘filled with memories’ when she was surprised with a new B. Squire piano. This would be the first time Jean would play the piano since losing her eyesight six years ago.

Jean was taught to play the piano from the age of seven, immediately falling in love with the instrument. Jean’s parents, Doris and Sydney, enjoyed music, and always kept a piano in the family home.

Jean’s passion for the piano continued into her adult life. Jean said, ‘I studied music at college and went on to become an accompanist with the Kidderminster Operatic and Dramatic Society, as well as playing the organ at my local church for over ten years.’

When Jean unfortunately lost her sight, she stopped playing the piano – until now. When the team at Foley Grange heard about Jean’s musical past, and how much she wished she could play the piano again, they set out to make her dream come true.

The care team searched for the perfect piano for weeks, which they found and had delivered to the home for Jean to play for the first time since losing her sight. Jean said,

‘Sitting at the piano has filled me with lots of memories, I love being able to play again after such a long time. Having this wonderful piano has given me the power to play again!’

The Home Manager at Foley Grange, Hannah Atkinson, said,

‘It’s so important to us to make our residents’ dreams come true, so to see Jean sitting at the piano after such a long time was a special moment.

‘Jean was so excited about our new piano; she sat down straight away to get a feel for the keys. The way Jean’s face lights up when she’s playing the piano is so heartwarming, we love listening to her make beautiful music.’

To find out more about life at Foley Grange, you can call 01562 543366 or email foley.grange@idealcarehomes.co.uk.

Foley Grange is a purpose-built luxury residential and dementia care home, operated by Ideal Carehomes. Named a Top 100 Luxury Care Home by Knight Frank, Foley Grange offers 66 ensuite bedrooms, and provides person-centred care and a full and varied activities programme to ensure fullness of life for residents.