Residents at Bupa Aged Care Woodend are learning that it’s never too late to acquire new skills. They’re picking up pencils, crayons and brushes and revisiting a pastime that many haven’t pursued in decades.
Bupa lifestyle coordinator Lauren Monaghan says that some residents can be reluctant to take part.
“It’s not for everyone,” she concedes, “but those who do take the plunge often surprise themselves.”
Elderly residents can rediscover a love of art they haven’t known since primary school days.
“It’s amazing how many reveal an unexpected talent,” Lauren says, but adds that the program is not demanding or competitive. Its main aim is to introduce residents to the simple joy of making art.
Keen to recognise the work of their residents, Lauren and her team of lifestyle carers and volunteers arranged an exhibition of the residents’ work last Thursday evening at Bupa Woodend. They were delighted with the response, and it has encouraged them to aim even higher.
“We’d like to make the art exhibition a regular feature. We want to encourage family and members of the public to attend,” Lauren says.
“We know it can be a bit tricky to entice people out of their homes on a cold Woodend evening so we might wait for the warmer weather. We’ll provide snacks and a glass of wine,” she adds with a laugh, “to lure out the stay-at-homes. And we’ll make sure we put the word out. Watch this space.”
