TLC Healthcare has prepared for the Whittlesea Show, with elderly residents building up creativity with painting skills on display.
At TLC Aged Care Sunlight, in Whittlesea, resident Ron has been painting for many years, with art forming a lifelong hobby and a meaningful part of his story. He even keeps a book in his room featuring artwork, surrounded with recent pieces focused on birds and birdlife.
Now, Ron is generously sharing his skills with fellow Sunlight residents, offering his time to teach residents how to paint. The group is now attracting a growing following, proving that creativity can bring people together in unexpected and uplifting ways.
Ron will often be found in the art space daily, continuing his own work and spending time in a setting that has become an important creative outlet.
“Painting has been part of my life since I was young, and over time I have learned to paint with dexterity and freedom,” he said.
“Painting enables me to work with others, sometimes as part of a team, while giving me a way to express myself. When I am painting, I feel happy and collected, and it is nice to know others enjoy my work.
“I encourage others to get involved, discover what is available and take part in activities that bring people together. Painting is not only about creating artwork, but also about sharing and learning from one another.”
Participating in activities with other residents can give residents a reason to come together, learn from each other and feel part of something shared. For some, it may be the chance to revisit a lifelong passion. For others, it may be the first step toward trying something completely new. Either way, the benefit is clear, when residents are active together, they build connection as well as wellbeing.
For fellow resident Graeme, the painting group has opened a new creative pathway. While he has long enjoyed colouring in, building a large collection of colouring books and pencils, Ron’s guidance has encouraged him to begin developing his painting skills. Through working together, Graeme has not only discovered a new artistic interest, but also built conversation, teamwork and friendship along the way.
As the Whittlesea Show approaches, TLC Sunlight residents are preparing to share their creativity with the wider community. The annual event provides a meaningful opportunity for residents to take pride in their work and be part of a much-loved local celebration.
Each year, residents submit entries for judging, including individual artworks and collaborative pieces created with the encouragement and support of the Aged Care Wellbeing team. Staff help coordinate the process and take the finished works across to the showgrounds on residents’ behalf, ensuring everyone has the chance to participate.
TLC Aged Care Sunlight has enjoyed memorable success at the show in the past. This includes collecting a First Prize and being awarded Most Successful Entry for an artwork that still remains proudly on display, ribbons and all. The residents of TLC Sunlight Aged Care look forward to showing their creativity to the wider community this year.
