Kentwood Park resident Ken McCarten (centre) poses with a helmet from the Second World War, as activity aide Lisa Mills and oral military historian Garry Robson look on.
Oral historian delivers meaningful program to Kentwood residents
Personal approach, engaging discussions keep residents’ attention
Friday May 2, 2008 -- Deron Hamel
Two challenges life enrichment departments face are finding activities to keep residents’ attention and creating programs for men. An oral military historian who recently visited Kentwood Park, however, is able to bridge both of these gaps.

Garry Robson visited the home last year and did a presentation on the First World War that went so well he came back to the Picton long-term care home April 23 and did a presentation on the Second World War. He has also presented to members of the Boy’s Club, a men’s group at the home.

Linda Sheppard, Kentwood Park’s life enrichment co-ordinator, says the 10 men and 10 women who attended the program were engaged the entire span of Robson’s presentation, adding the activity was especially well-received by the men.

She attributes the success to the fact many residents have vivid memories of life during this time, as well as to the creative manner in which Robson delivers his presentation.

“They love it because it’s so relevant to them,” says Sheppard. “Even though it’s the war, he makes it so funny because he tells stories so that people aren’t caught up in the sorrow around the war. They love the jokes he tells and as an oral historian he can really turn a tale.”

Robson brings war memorabilia to long-term care homes during his visits, including helmets, uniforms, ammunition, and victory war bonds. He engages each resident by asking them to identify the different bits of clothing and gadgets.

Robson also details for residents the different ways some of the items were utilized during the war — for example, using a helmet as a water bowl.

This approach, says Sheppard, goes over very well with residents.

“There’s a lot to a program like this,” she says. “He is really, really interesting.”

One of the residents who attended the program is Thomas Munro.

Munro says he goes to see Robson’s presentations every time he visits the home. He adds that Robson did a good job of keeping everyone’s attention during the program.

“He really puts on a pretty good show,” says Munro.

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