Mural to Brighten the Lives of Residents in Bethlehem Home

A colourful mural spanning approximately 30 metres wide and 2.5 metres tall has been unveiled at Mercy Health’s Bethlehem Home for the Aged in Bendigo.

The mural was painted by local artist, Terry Jarvis, over a two week period and features vibrant farm scenes, rolling hills and flowers.

The mural is the main feature of a wall in the courtyard of the aged care home’s memory unit, which offers specialised support to people living with dementia.

The scenes of grazing cattle, lakes and vineyards came directly from conversations between Mr Jarvis and residents of the aged care home – among them his 91 year-old-mother.

“Most come from farming backgrounds so when I was looking to trigger memories, it was a no-brainer,” Mr Jarvis said.

Mercy Health’s Bethlehem Home for the Aged underwent a $23 million redevelopment between 2010 and 2013, which included a 60 bed wing on the first floor, a café, landscaped courtyards, and a chapel and lifestyle facilities.

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