Reevedon Home resident Tom says he never gets bored.
In the year or so since moving into the Enliven home in Levin Tom has picked up a few new hobbies.
One new skill he has developed an interest in is paint-by-numbers. Tom says one of the staff at the home supplied him with his first canvas, which he decided to have a go completing.
“When I received my first one I thought it was quite challenging, but I enjoyed it because I like a good challenge!”
Tom says he also enjoys completing word puzzles and decoders, so the painting project was like a different puzzle.
Tom has since completed a handful of colourful works, which are displayed on the walls in his room.
He says a mid-size painting can take him about two weeks to finish, while the larger and more complicated ones can take about a month.
“I can work on it for about two or three hours at a time, but then I need a bit of a break to re-adjust my eyes,” Tom says. “It’s very concentrated.”
Some of the spaces to paint in are so small that Tom keeps a magnifying glass handy and has a special paintbrush for the particularly tiny spots.
His newfound enjoyment of painting has also led to an interest in colouring in.
Tom says he usually takes some time to consider the picture before colouring it, thinking about which shades will make the completed image look three-dimensional.
Also in his time at Reevedon Home, Tom has learned how to play bowls and the game Rummikub.
“I might do some afternoon activities with other residents then spend a bit of time by myself painting,” he says.
“I’m never bored here.”
In Levin, Enliven offers a full range of positive ageing services, from independent retirement living, to rest home, hospital and dementia care, short-term respite, recovery care and an engaging day programme. If there comes a time village residents need extra support, they will have priority entry to our Levin War Veterans Home when there is availability. To learn more about Enliven’s philosophy and services, visit www.enlivencentral.org.nz. You can also call 06 368 7900 (Reevedon Home) or 06 366 0052 (Levin Home).
