New program bridges link between young and old

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Scott Kyryluk is one of the grades twos who was excited to talk about what they do.

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“This is Herb Bassett Home, we go here every Tuesday now,” he said proudly while colouring with his classmates.

He said he likes coming to visit the residents.

“We have learned a lot of stuff here so far,” said Kyryluk.

Mitchel Dussion, another grade two student, said they have a lot of fun.

“We play games and do art,” he said.

Peggy (Margaret) Sinclair, a 101-year-old resident at the home, said the youth really brighten their day.

She also said it’s a good opportunity for the young children to interact with older generations.

“I think it’s a good thing to have that relationship between (the generations),” she said.

Last spring, the residents from the Herb Bassett went to visit the children at their school for the day.

“It was just a great day,” said Sinclair. “This little guy … I put him on my lap and I just wheeled him all the way through. And you know, he didn’t want to get off.”

Jen McDougall, recreation coordinator at Herb Bassett Home, smiled and said the boy had fallen asleep on Sinclair’s lap.

“But it was no bother,” Sinclair continued, laughing. “I enjoyed it so much.”

At the end of the day, Sinclair took a break from her wheelchair and went on the playground swings with the help (and suggestion) from the women in recreation.

“I said, ‘If I don’t try, I’ll never know,’” said Sinclair. “It was real fun, you know, that was a beautiful day.”

Sinclair said they met the children’s teacher and were served lunch.

“It was a real hay day for us.”

The program will run for the entire year and it is the first of its kind in the Prince Albert Parkland Health Region.

“The benefits are so huge on both sides that it’s increased the confidence in the children,” McDougall told paNOW. “The community based learning has given the children such success later in life throughout school. And then for our elders, the chance to be around the youth is one thing that helps increase the quality of life for our residents.”

“The way that we can alleviate helplessness, loneliness and boredom is by bringing in children.”

alexsoloducha@panow.com

On Twitter: @alex_soloducha