MURALS showing well-known Somerset landmarks are becoming major talking points in dementia-care nursing homes run by Camelot Care across Somerset.

In particular the large mural of Wimbleball Lake on Exmoor, which has been installed at Camelot House in Wellington is proving a firm favourite with residents.

The mural has prompted them to share their memories about the reservoir which has been a favourite destination for ‘days out’ since it was created in 1979.

Clare Woodhead, operations manager for Camelot Care, said: “We showed the people who live with us a variety of different images to find out which ones they would enjoy seeing on the walls of their home.

“Wimbleball Lake was a firm favourite, and they are so happy to share their memories of it with us.”

Clare has been following with interest the findings of research undertaken by Guys and St. Thomas’ Charity into the role of the arts in reminiscence, and how it can empower people with dementia.

“The pilot project run in London has provided good evidence that art can spark reminiscences in a way that measurably improves wellbeing in older people with dementia, and our new mural is certainly getting people talking,” she added.

As a result of the study, a range of practitioners are now using the arts in dementia care.

Camelot House and Lodge is currently hosting a national initiative to bring volunteers into the home to assist residents in creating their own art.

The plan is for this to be displayed in a local pop-up shop to highlight to the community the opportunities for living well with dementia.