Baking club a 'Sweet' success at Village Green
Thursday January 24, 2008 -- Natalie Miller
With the last name Sweet and the first name Joy, it’s rather appropriate the Village Green restorative care aide leads a baking activity at the Selby long-term care home.

The ‘Joy of Baking’ club is popular with the female residents at the rural 66-bed home. Started eight years ago by former life enrichment co-ordinator Sylvia Roetman, the program is offered once or twice a month. About six to 10 residents attend on a regular basis and while they revel in tasting the treats, the benefits extend beyond satisfying a sweet tooth, says Sweet.

“It reminds them of when they were at home baking for their families,” she says.

“Reminiscing you could call it.”

Depending on the residents’ physical and intellectual abilities, participation levels vary. A few residents watch, others stir and some roll the dough into balls for cookies. Sweet says some of the residents who are more passive participants remark they’ve done their share of baking in the past and enjoy being bystanders.

Sweet pre-measures all of the ingredients necessary for the particular recipes. The residents then gather in the activity room to make the goodies. Sweet bakes the treats in the kitchen. “They love the smell,” she says, “and they love to eat it.”

Peanut butter cookies are a particular favourite. Usually Sweet co-ordinates the baking with the time of year – apple pies in the fall, Valentine’s Day cakes in February, for instance.

For those who physically take part, it keeps their hands and arms busy, she notes. “It gives them some exercise.”

As for Sweet, she experiences joy herself in leading the program.

“I enjoy baking with the older women. It makes me feel like I’m (baking) with my own grandparents. It brings you closer to them. We’re talking throughout.”