The Interactive Flower Mural
A Creative Art Co “perennial” favourite
This versatile mural engages residents in care with an activity which is both purposeful and creative.
The scene is set, flowers are “picked” (assisted with the instructional sign) from the grassy areas and then placed in the (named) “Flower box” or wall containers. The thin stemmed artificial flowers may also be changed with the seasons for more variety. The whole mural covers 17 feet, or may be applied in two parts of 10 and 7 feet.
A resident in Memory Care busy with the “Interactive Flower Mural - making flower arrangements.
The Interactive Flower Mural may be put up along one long wall, or if necessary separated in two parts
What People Are Saying
“Recently we had Karen and Brian come put up the Interactive Flower Mural and the residents, family and staff are really enjoying it! It not only brightens up the hallway, but almost immediately after installation, the residents were moving the flowers to the planter box. One woman stops several times a day to look at the panel with the field - her common expression is "Look at how lovely this is. Can we feed the deer later?" She enjoys looking at all the panels and often reads the writing. Karen and Brian are professional and show a real commitment to bettering the lives of our residents with advanced dementia. Wouldn't hesitate recommending them! We wish we could have these displays on all our home areas!"
— R/TRO, Resident Support Services Manager
“A resident picked all of the flowers and then put the colours together”
— Personal Support Worker
“I haven’t seen my mom engage like this for so long, it is just wonderful”
— Resident Family Member
The country home with pets on the doorstep offers the setting for this activity. The lawn sign gives instructions to put flowers in the clearly marked "Flowerbox". Instructions have to be clear in dementia care.
This corner mural is located opposite the nursing station where residents would ordinarily gather.
The complete wildlife portion of the Interactive Flower Mural
Many residents love to engage with the gentle creatures observed in the Wildlife panel.
Flowers may be easily (and cheaply!) replaced from dollar stores (the THIN STEM variety please to fit within the tube). Tubes are mounted on the wall as are the flower pots - these may vary due to availability.
FAQs
Where do I get additional flowers?
Any quality dollar or craft store. Be sure and only purchase the flowers with the thinnest stems. The thicker stems won’t fit in the tubes provided.
What if residents take the flowers and walk away with them?
We put this question to our consulting gerontologist and dementia expert. She said “Good”! “It demonstrates that they are engaging with their environment and this activity”. At the end of the day (or when a resident is at mealtimes) the flowers may be returned to the mural by care staff, or simply replaced by a care home’s supply.
Can the mural be cleaned?
All of our murals have an extra non-glare laminate and may be cleaned with any of the required cleaning solutions. The only no-no would be using a scratchy pad or a solvent (which we are pretty sure wouldn’t be necessary!) Even the flower stems may be wiped with an anti-bacterial cloth.
What if a resident tries to eat the flowers?
Not a common occurrence, but we have heard of this. It may be that the flowers would have to be withheld for a time until things change, or the activity director could schedule the flower arranging as part of a supervised group activity. Any case, every care home must make these decisions - as they know their residents best!
If we change our minds, can we remove the mural to move it to another location?
No. These murals are designed to adhere strongly to the wall (this is on purpose so that residents themselves cannot peel them off). They can be removed (using a hairdryer or heat gun), but cannot be reused.
How do I get the residents to use the mural?
Our gerontologist and dementia expert advises that residents be shown the procedure of picking the flowers and arranging them and that it is O.K. to do so! Many residents of this generation were taught not to touch anything not belonging to them. Staff need to take a little time to introduce the mural and the demonstrate the activity to residents. It is a good idea to do this a few times and encourage family members to participate This will pay off in a happier, more occupied community.