Yahoo News Elvis-loving dementia patient becomes The King at hospital in Australia
A hospital in Australia has found a little less conversation, and a little more music, is needed to treat dementia patients.
John "Sean" O'Malley would often get "angry, distressed and agitated" due to his dementia when he first arrived at Blacktown Hospital in northwest Sydney.
In an effort to help him become happier and more social while in care, he was put him on the music and memory programme, where the patient is given a personalised playlist.
"We decided to play some Elvis songs for him, as part of our programme," said Western Sydney Health on its Facebook page.
Much to his and his family's delight, the tunes worked wonders. A video posted on the Facebook page shows Mr O'Malley dancing around the ward, listening to the hits of Elvis Presley through headphones.
"His whole behaviour has changed, so for us at home, we haven't been so worried about how he's going here at hospital," said Mr O'Malley's daughter, Trish Scerri, in the heartwarming video, which has been viewed more than 30,000 times.
She added: "We know that this music has brought a lot of happiness while he's been here ... and he's been dancing around the ward since it's been happening."
Her sister Patricia Scerri agreed.
"The music has changed my dad's whole perspective on being in hospital and [he is] not as scared as what he was four weeks ago. He still has moments but nothing like [before]," she said.
As for Mr O'Malley, he says he can't get enough.
“I live, love, eat and breathe Elvis - I just love him,’’ Mr O’Malley said, according to 7 News.
