Care Home Residents Embrace Working on their Garden of Creativity

Residents at The Aldbury, Colten Care’s dedicated dementia care home in Poole, have been adding to their recently created enchanted garden with stunning floral designs using painted pebbles.

Companionship Team Leader Sue Miles explained: “So far this year our residents have created an enchanted garden with fairies and fairy houses they have painted, and homemade windchimes and sun catchers.

“Now, they are creating floral decorations made out of specially arranged hand-painted pebbles, which are being placed around the grounds and are attracting a large number of compliments from families and visitors.”

Residents, some of whom usually shy away from creative projects, have already transformed 140 plain pebbles using bright acrylic paints.

Some people have also added their names to the pebbles and with the companionship team’s help have arranged them in groups of seven to form eye-catching flower-shaped decorations throughout the flowerbeds.

Resident Tina Thorne said: “I’m not usually one for painting, but I do really enjoy seeing the colours transform the pebbles.”

Sue said: “This activity has struck a real chord with Tina, as she remembers it and asks me when we will be doing more painting. It has also encouraged her to take part in other craft activities recently, whereas before she had not been very keen. We have obviously awakened her inner creativity!”
Sue added: “The residents were eager to display their pebble flowers in the grounds, creating a beautiful display for all to see. This activity has been a huge success with everyone and will undoubtedly become an ongoing project here at The Aldbury.”