Making Memories with Ron Smith Care Centre: Residents and staff powder and preen for evening of glamour

Thursday 4 April 2019

Residents and staff powder and preen for evening of glamour

Glitz and glam happy hour

On March 27, the residents and staff of Rand Aid-run Ron Smith Care Centre dressed up in their glittering finery to attend a Glitz and Glam-themed happy hour, hosted by the staff of the very special River Lodge 3 dementia wing.

Debbie Christen, Rand Aid’s Manager: Recreational Programmes explains: “In planning this event, we wanted to create excitement, anticipation and memories around those times when our residents and staff dressed up in their festive finery for a special occasion, party, celebration or event – a time when they pulled out all the stops to look their best.

“In choosing this theme, we wanted to give everyone the opportunity to come out of the ordinariness and routine of daily life and to experience the joy, fun and excitement of a dress-up function. We recognised the fact that there was a time in our residents’ lives when many of them enjoyed planning their festive attire and looked forward to parties and social gatherings.”

Preparations began months in advance, with residents and staff working on the sparkly decorations in the Activity Centre, practicing dance routines to entertain the guests, and planning outfits and the food and beverages menu.

On the day, the OT Activity Centre was transformed into a beauty salon for glittery make up to be applied, for those who wanted to be extra sparkly! There was excitement in the air as staff helped their residents dress for the occasion, with last minute borrowing of jewellery and bits of bling taking place.

The best dressed lady, gentleman and staff member of the evening were voted for, and the winners were cheered and applauded, as they happily accepted their prizes. The guests particularly enjoyed a bit of an impromptu fashion parade, as the staff finalists showed off their sartorial splendour!

Champagne (including the non-alcoholic version), wine and fruit punch were the beverages on offer, with guests also enjoying snack platters consisting of green, red, and black grapes, cheddar cheese, cream cheese with sweet chili sauce, an assortment of crackers, cocktail-sized quiche, sausage rolls and chocolate eclairs.

The evening’s entertainment concluded with the host staff performing some lively dances and ending off with residents and staff dancing and moving to the Macarena. Resident Ria Standing acknowledged that she “very much appreciates events like this, because it lifts our spirits and gives us a real boost”.