Care home workshops are backed by solicitors

Art workshops for residents of a Paisley care home are being supported by a firm of lawyers.

BTO Solicitors is currently sponsoring charity Art in Healthcare in a bid to help boost positive health and wellbeing for a wide range of people at Hillside V`iew Care Home, in Nethercraigs Road.

As well as helping with workshops, the firm has also supported the installation of 27 works of art from the Art in Healthcare collection to create a homely atmosphere for the residents.

Margaret O’Connor, chief executive officer of Art in Healthcare, said: “Most people with a dementia diagnosis will experience memory difficulties and problems with thinking.

“Their needs will change as their disease progresses and their loved ones and carers will be affected by this change too.

“Everyday skills can be affected, such as cooking and driving, and the opportunity to develop some new skills through art can have a really positive impact on selfesteem.”

In preparation for these workshops, art sessions were run at BTO’s offices in Glasgow to allow staff to explore various art materials, such as watercolour pencils, paints and mono-printing techniques.

Art in Healthcare serves the whole of Scotland and says feedback from patients, residents and staff has shown that displays of art make a real difference, impacting positively on their general health and wellbeing.

Taking part in art activity will add further to this benefit by providing an opportunity for the care home residents at Hillside View to explore and further develop their creativity, it says.

BTO partner Lesley Gordon, who sits on the board of Art in Healthcare, said: “Many people know someone with dementia or someone who has been affected by a relative or friend with dementia. We asked our team if they could spare some time to assist at these art workshops and were overwhelmed by the positive response.

“We are very much looking forward to assisting Art in Healthcare and the residents at Hillside View Care Home over the coming months.”

Angela Brown, activities coordinator at Hillside View, said residents were thoroughly enjoying exploring art.

She added: “Residents are really, really enjoying it. It’s been amazing.”