Bupa Aged Care

Ken discovers hidden art talent

Ken Heffer can rightly claim the title of Bupa Bendigo’s artist-in-residence. Ken, 75, was formerly a manual worker, and only began painting when he moved into Bupa Bendigo about 12 months ago.

“I started off slowly,” says Ken, “but I think I’ve improved over time.”

From Bupa Bendigo

Elderly man Ken with painting he made at Bupa Bendigo

Now he turns out an average of one painting a week!

His favourite subjects? “Birds and animals, mostly. It’s a great way to pass the time,” says Ken.

Ken buys all his own materials, and sometimes even swaps a painting in return for new art supplies. His colourful works adorn the corridors at Bupa Bendigo, and Ken has several paintings in his room, ready to claim any vacant wall space!

Bird painting by Ken at Bupa Bendigo aged care home
Cat painting by Ken at Bupa care home Bendigo