Cowgirls and boys cavort at Ron Smith Care Centre

Residents and staff at the Ron Smith Care Centre enjoyed a boot-scootin’ good old time on 27 August at the country and western-themed party hosted by the River Lodge 2 wing of the care centre.

The dining room tables were transformed with red and white checkered overlays and clever decorations from the wild west and farm life. Guests were welcomed with happy hour drinks and snacks, including sausage rolls, biltong and tortilla chips; those with a sweet tooth were satisfied with vanilla cupcakes and chocolates! 

The country music of Dolly Parton, Kenny Rogers, Johnny Cash and Willie Nelson, amongst others, played in the background and created the country and western vibe which everyone so enjoyed.

Ecstatic cheering, whistling and applauding took place when the best-dressed men and women were announced: 

Gisela Meinck from River Lodge 2 won the Best-dressed Lady prize; 

Leon Shuker from Cedar Park won the Best-dressed Gentleman prize; and 

Nellie Motshoene from Lakeside won the Best-dressed Staff prize. 

More clapping, hooting , whistling and cheering took place when the River Lodge 2 Country and Western Line Dancers performed three dances: Salty Dog Rag, Hillbilly Rock and Achy Breaky Heart.

All the cowboys and cowgirls had a great time, judging from the happy smiles and laughter, with many of the residents saying that this was the best Happy Hour function they’ve had. It was also a wonderful way to say goodbye to winter and to joyfully welcome the coming of spring!

 

Violet Mtheroana, James Taylor, Shaka Mahlangu and Myer Fish.

River Lodge 2 hosts of the Country and Western Happy Hour.

Hee-ha! Sarah Richards and Helen Barlow-Jones.

The table decorations that residents and staff made in OT.

Country and Western Line Dancers.

Corlia Schutte – RSCC’s new OT.

Paulina Sepeng & Malcolm Shalekoff.

Alison Bell & Edna van Rensburg. 

 Etienne & Vera Geyser.

 Cleo Makhanya, Dumi Mboweni, Annastasia Thula, Maserame Moilwa, Christine Kincaid-Smith.

 Nomagugu Ncube gives everyone a good ole Country & Western welcome!

Gisela Meinck is ecstatic over winning the best dressed lady prize!

 Shaka Mahlangu congratulates Leon Shuker for winning the Best Dressed Gentleman prize!

 Victor Daniel.

Nellie Motshoene & Molly Matroos.

Lorraine Lowdon rocks the hillbilly look!

Volunteers become Dementia Friends

A group of warm-hearted people have become Dementia Friends, spending time enriching the lives of people living with dementia at Rand Aid’s Ron Smith Care Centre.

Some of the regular volunteers at the care centre recently indicated that they would like to learn more about dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. In response to that request, Rand Aid social worker Debbie Beech conducted two ‘Dementia Friends’ sessions for about 20 volunteers in August.

Dementia Friends is an initiative that was started in the UK to raise awareness and change the way people think, act and talk about dementia.

There are five key Dementia Friends messages:

1 Dementia is not a natural part of ageing.
2 Dementia is caused by diseases of the brain.
3. Dementia is not just about losing your memory – it can affect thinking, communicating and doing everyday tasks.
4 It is possible to live well with dementia.
5 There’s more to the person than the dementia.

The sessions were warmly received and volunteers came away feeling much more enlightened about the disease. They committed to joining the initiative and becoming a Dementia Friend.

There are plans to offer more Dementia Friends sessions to care workers and residents in the near future.

Volunteers at the Ron Smith Care Centre assist in a number of ways, from helping with the walking, music, games, baking and arts and crafts activities, to visiting lonely residents and brightening their day. Volunteers work with all residents and not just those living with dementia.

Currently, a volunteer to teach computer skills is required. For more information, contact Debbie Christen by email at dchristen@randaid.co.za