New artist helping care home residents get creative

Samson van Wingerden, a multimedia artist about to study set design at university, has visited Trowbridge Oaks Bupa Care Home to create bespoke artworks for the rooms.

His mother, a kitchen assistant at the care home, suggested he do this after he sought work for the summer holidays.

Mr van Wingerden visits regularly, spending an hour with each resident, chatting and painting as they discuss his art and life plans.

He said: "I love to see how art can change the way spaces feel.

"I have been exploring window painting as a way to bring out a playful atmosphere.

"It’s been lovely to see how this has impacted the residents, and it would be really interesting to expand on this style, working on bigger pieces in the future."

He brings a portfolio of his work to discuss with each resident what they would like him to create for them.

He then paints this art piece directly onto their window.

For one resident, whose bed doesn’t face the window, he painted on laminated paper to create a window effect.

One resident, Eileen Glue, aged 102, said: "I had Samson paint an art piece on my window and it was the best day I had in a long while!

"My artwork is of a cat in Wimbledon whites.

"It is a reference to the fact that I almost competed at Wimbledon; I got to the qualifying round only to discover that I was pregnant, so I couldn’t continue."

She added: "I love looking at the art piece on my window because it reminds me of my visit with Samson.

"I enjoyed watching his art process and wish him all the best for his studies at university, I think he will do very well."

Beth Powlesland, activity co-ordinator at Trowbridge Oaks, said: "Samson’s art has allowed the residents to personalise their space and have agency over their environment.

"This initiative has been particularly meaningful for our residents who feel more comfortable during room visits, as opposed to bigger group activities."

Research has shown that the presence of art in care home settings can help reduce anxiety, stress, and depression among both patients and staff, improving morale and the overall environment.

Trowbridge Oaks Bupa Care Home is based in Trowbridge, Wiltshire, and provides nursing and residential care for residents, including those with Parkinson’s.