By Cam Lucadou-Wells
KEITH Pickering responds in bewilderment when asked about the men’s shed at Berwick Bupa aged care facility.
Afflicted by dementia, the former civil engineer has absolutely no memory of the tight 10-member woodworking group that meet each Friday at the facility’s humble workshop.
As he’s led to the shed, he frequently asks “where are we going?”
But during the workshop, he loses himself in the craft, focusing his mind on one task at a time. When each task is complete, he eagerly asks what step is next.
In just six months Mr Pickering and nine other residents have put together an impressive cache of hand-made, hand-painted ornamental cats, pelicans, owls as well as candle holders.
Mr Pickering didn’t have a woodworking background but adapted quickly to the manual tasks.
General manager Louise Willett said Mr Pickering seemed to be reliving his younger years while in the shed.
“Things that he may usually find challenging he can do with ease in the men’s shed.
“It’s truly amazing to watch.”
The workshop is overseen by Berwick Woodworkers Club members Brian Crowe and William Bradshaw, who devise the projects.
Occasionally, the workshop is topped by a mate-bonding barbecue.
Lifestyle co-ordinator Mary Mihalic said she was amazed by the workshop’s success at the facility – where 70 per cent of residents have dementia.
Other activities include tending to the home’s gardens and vegie patch as well as the chooks.
“It’s about meeting other people and the friendships that they form in the group,” Ms Mihalic said.
