Ron Smith Care Centre looks beyond the life lines on residents’ faces

 A person’s age represents a fine cargo of experiences and memories. ~ Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, Wartime Writings 1939-1944.

In acknowledging that the people who live at Rand Aid’s Ron Smith Care Centre are more than just residents needing care, but rather colourful personalities with rich histories, the ‘Who Am I’ initiative was launched last year.

‘Who Am I’ encourages residents and staff to get to know one another better by sharing their personal stories.

On Friday, May 13, the residents and staff on the River Lodge 3 wing gathered together in their lounge to hear and honour the stories of resident Lynne Russell and enrolled nursing auxiliary Nakedi Chokoe.

What made this event so magical was that Lynne’s whole family came to support her. Husband Brian and their three daughters Dale, Bev and Amanda; son in-law Tony and three of her grandchildren, Jonah, Tory and Leah, were there to listen to Lynne’s life story.

They were grateful to have their mother and grandmother’s story told and acknowledged, and to have the opportunity to remember and celebrate her personhood, with all her accomplishments and what she enjoyed and found meaningful in her life.

It was wonderful that Lynne and Nakedi could celebrate their stories together, and having the Russell family present made the event very special.

“What a truly wonderful occasion this was!” says Brian. “I can’t imagine that anyone there did not enjoy it to the full. I haven’t seen Lynne so happy since she moved to River Lodge Three. This event demonstrated that even in the frailties of growing old, one can still have enjoyment with all one’s friends that surround one each day. Having Nakedi sharing the occasion made it just that much more fun!” 

Ron Smith Care Centre resident Lynne Russell and enrolled nursing auxiliary Nakedi Chokoe share a dance.

Lynne Russell with her loved ones and enrolled nursing auxiliary Nakedi Chokoe.