Looking After Wall Art in a Care Home

Looking After Wall Art in a Care Home

In this article, we will cover the following topics related to maintaining wall art in a care home setting:

1. Use special security fittings to secure wall art to the walls to prevent accidents and protect both residents and the art itself
2. Choose wall art with high contrast or large, clear images and/or textured or 3D elements for residents with vision or cognitive impairments
3. Consider the appropriateness of the art for the care home setting and the age, background, and cultural differences of the residents
4. Regularly maintain wall art by dusting frames, checking for damage, and making repairs as needed; clean glass to prevent fading or damage to artwork
5. Periodically rotate out removable wall art to keep the care home feeling fresh and new and provide new opportunities for residents to engage with and enjoy the art

Wall art can be a beautiful addition to any care home, bringing color, warmth, and personalization to the living spaces of residents. However, because of the unique environment of a care home, it is important to take special care when selecting and maintaining wall art.

Security fittings to secure wall art

One important consideration is security. In a care home, it is not uncommon for residents to accidentally bump into or try to move wall art, whether out of curiosity or due to mobility issues. To prevent accidents and protect both residents and the art itself, it is important to use special security fittings to secure the art to the walls. We can supply fittings to secure your art to the walls:

This could include tamper-resistant screws or brackets, or adhesive mounting systems that allow the art to be easily removed for cleaning or maintenance but are difficult for residents to manipulate.

Another important factor to consider when buying wall art for a care home is accessibility. For residents with vision impairments, it can be helpful to choose art with high contrast or large, clear images. Textured or 3D art can also be a good choice for residents with visual impairments or cognitive impairments, as it provides a tactile element that can be enjoyable to explore.

Appropriateness of the art

It is also important to think about the appropriateness of the art for the care home setting. While personal tastes and preferences should be taken into account, it is important to consider the age, background, and cultural differences of the residents. Avoiding art with themes or imagery that may be disturbing or offensive to some residents is important for creating a welcoming and inclusive environment.

Selecting the wall

Once wall art has been selected and installed, it is important to regularly maintain it to ensure it remains in good condition. This could include dusting the frames and artwork, checking for damage or wear, and making repairs as needed. If the art is behind glass, it is important to keep the glass clean to prevent fading or damage to the artwork. Using a soft, dry cloth or a cloth that has been lightly misted with water can help to remove dust and fingerprints without damaging the art.

Tips on dusting your framed wall art

1. Use a soft, dry cloth or a cloth that has been lightly misted with water to avoid damaging the art. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials, as these can strip away protective coatings or cause scratches on the artwork or frames.
2. Pay attention to hard-to-reach areas, such as corners and crevices. Use a small, soft-bristled brush to gently remove dust from these areas.
3. If the art is behind glass, make sure to clean both the front and back of the glass. Use a microfiber cloth or a lint-free cloth to avoid leaving streaks or residue.
4. If the art is particularly dirty or greasy, you may need to use a slightly damp cloth to gently wipe away the dirt. Make sure to wring out the cloth well to avoid getting the art wet.
5. After dusting, allow the art to dry completely before replacing it on the wall.
6. It is generally a good idea to dust wall art on a regular basis, perhaps once a week or once every two weeks, depending on the needs of the care home. This can help to keep the art looking clean and well-maintained.

If the wall art is removable, it can also be a good idea to periodically rotate it out and replace it with fresh pieces. This can help to keep the care home feeling fresh and new, and can also provide new opportunities for residents to engage with and enjoy the art.

Overall, taking the time to carefully select and maintain wall art in a care home can bring many benefits to residents and create a more welcoming and inviting living space. By considering security, accessibility, and appropriateness, and by regularly maintaining the art, care home staff can ensure that the wall art is an asset to the home rather than a liability.

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