Artful healing: how thoughtful artwork enhances dementia care

Art can do much more than decorate a wall. In a care home, it can calm and comfort, spark conversation, help residents find their way, and rekindle treasured memories. For people living with dementia, thoughtful artwork can provide both visual stimulation and emotional connection, transforming a care home into a genuine home.

At Langtree Care Home in Standish near Wigan, this philosophy guided every decision. I collaborated with managing director Omair Haider of Millennium Care and interior designer Joyce Clutton — an expert in dementia-friendly design — to curate and supply the complete collection of framed artwork for this newly built home. The project became a true partnership, blending Omair's vision, Joyce's expertise in wellbeing-focused interiors, and my experience in sourcing art for care environments. Together, we aimed to create a scheme that would enhance the design and support the daily lives of residents and staff.

The brief was detailed: to provide framed artworks for 52 en suite bedrooms, bathrooms, wet rooms, corridors, stairwells, and communal areas such as lounges, dining rooms, kitchens, the reception, and music room. But it went beyond style. Langtree Care Home specialises in caring for residents living with dementia, so choosing images required deep thought and sensitivity.