Artist Inspired to Paint Her Own ‘Road to Recovery’ Whilst in Care Home Rehab

By KLTV Newsdesk –

For years, Artist Betty Thornton’s work has been on display in homes across the world, and now it’s also on display in a Kirklees care home.

Betty, 93, came to Ings Grove House in Mirfield last month as part of her physical rehabilitation, to receive physiotherapy to help improve her mobility and assistance after treatment in hospital.

To the surprise of the care home staff at Ings Grove, Betty is a longtime artist and member of the Huddersfield Art Society and has work displayed in homes in Australia and the USA.

Road to Recovery

During her stay at Ings Grove House, Betty painted a beautiful watercolour which she named ‘Road to Recovery’, which depicts her journey through rehabilitation at the care home.

The painting depicts a rough and rocky start that reflects her health when she came to Ings Grove, and after a long and winding road, ends where she would like to be – back in her own home.

‘Road to Recovery’ – Betty Thornton, 2021

Betty says she was inspired to pick up her paintbrushes when she heard staff discussing how they were going to name the care home suites.

She then painted the named flower for each suite – Lavender, Bluebell, Blossom and Willow, all of which have now been framed and placed on display in the home.

Boost to mental health and wellbeing

Speaking on Betty’s paintings, Councillor Musarrat Khan, Cabinet Member for Health and Social Care, said: “I am pleased that care home staff could inspire Betty to keep painting whilst they nurtured her back to good health.

“This is yet another example of how we strive to keep our elderly residents as well and independent as possible even when they are in our care.

“Being able to keep painting has clearly boosted Betty’s mental health and wellbeing and we all wish her good luck as her stay at Ings Grove House comes to an end.”

Betty has since returned home after completing her rehabilitation and has thanked the staff of Ings Grove House for their wonderful support during her stay.

Betty’s paintings for each suite at Ings Grove House on display