Val’s artistic journey
At Elizabeth Finn Homes, we pride ourselves on the range of activities and events we provide for our residents. We see this not just as an addition to the daily routine in our homes but as an intrinsic part of the lives of those we care for. Our activities and events not only support the wellbeing of our residents but create a bond with the wider community and help bring staff, residents, family members and all our volunteers together.
Many of our residents and families have commented on the benefits of having activities and hobbies to look forward to as well as the joy of trying new things. In our recent relatives’ survey over 90% remarked positively on the wide variety of social activities and events that we offer and with staff supporting relatives to attend, ensuring enrichment and wellbeing.
Val is a resident at The Lodge Care Home in Exeter. Prior to moving into the home she did not consider herself an artist, but as Val settled in and embraced the activities on offer, she quickly found a new passion for drawing. Val is also a musician and always had a creative flare. Her transition from music to art is a reminder that creativity takes many forms and that the joy of developing new skills can happen at any age.
Drawing has brought Val much happiness and has become a cherished part of her daily routine. Val’s talent has even extended to designing some of the Elizabeth Finn Homes resident’s Christmas cards this year. Packs of cards, featuring a range of designs from residents across our eight homes have been printed and packaged for sale with any profits going to our parent charity Turn2us.
Talking about her designs, Val commented, “The squirrel featured on one of my cards visits me regularly and I have fondly named him Harold. I didn’t paint much before coming to The Lodge but I decided I could not sit around and do nothing, so I joined in the class and I haven’t looked back. I find the plants and animals in our beautiful gardens a great inspiration to me.”
Val’s cards are featured alongside some of the other creative designs from residents that we are enjoying this year. Thank you to all our residents who shared their art with us.
