Ron Smith Care Centre’s sparkly Christmas celebration

The residents and staff of Rand Aid’s Ron Smith Care Centre enjoyed a beautiful celebration of Christmas on December 18, with a delicious lunch, lively music and entertainment by a group of dancers from the SA Seniors Fitness Association, along with the care centre’s staff dance team.

Resident Jill Jones comments:

“The dining room was festively decorated for the Christmas lunch, with a red, green and white theme. Balloons and stars hung from the ceiling, and the paper serviettes with partridge in a pear tree motif were so apt. Red and gold crackers, tinsel and baubles added festive touches to the tables.

“All the staff and residents who created the decorations and worked so hard to transform the dining room have our appreciation and gratitude, as do those who cleared up afterwards.

“The SA Seniors Fitness Association really looked very natty in their red and white outfits, and obviously enjoyed performing their routines, which were well received. 

“The lunch menu included fruit cocktail; roast lamb and gammon with roast potatoes, pumpkin and creamed spinach; and crème brûlée for dessert. It was delicious.

“Our grateful thanks go to Rand Aid for planning and budgeting for this special occasion for us, so that Christmas becomes a really home-from-home occasion, with thoughtful little touches to enhance the experience. We are truly blessed and so fortunate to live here.”

Zabeth Zühlsdorff, Rand Aid’s GM Services and Advanced Division, commented:

“From watching the residents, it was clear that the décor, entertainment and food were much appreciated by residents and that everyone had an excellent time.”

Members of the SA Seniors Fitness Association instructed by Nancy Clarke (2^nd row: left) and the Ron Smith Care Centre Staff Dance Team with Debbie Christen, Rand Aid’s Manager: Recreational Programmes (2^nd row: right).

Gail Spinks and Dineo Tshukutshware.

Nikiwe Thengwayo and Grace Ratisani with Simmy Slater and Joy Klopper.

Gill Holliman and Johanna Mokwele.

Shelagh Hawes, Charlotte Tema and Brian Russell.

Enjoying the party: Odette Matamba and Irene Watson.

Putt putt golf under shade sails

The wonderful Woodlands Garden area at Ron Smith Care Centre has become even more inviting with the addition of a shade sail over the putt golf green and croquet lawn.

“These sails not only complete the aesthetics of the area but provide much needed protection and shade from the sun for our residents and staff, enabling greater usage of the area by our care centre community,” says Debbie Christen, Rand Aid Manager: Recreational Programmes.

The lovely landscaped area includes a beautiful lapa with braai facilities, a jungle gym for children visiting their loved ones and a pavilion overlooking the Astroturf. Croquet and putt-putt golf can be played in the Garden.

A short stroll from the Garden is the wheelchair-friendly bridge that crosses the Jukskei River and leads to sister Rand Aid villages Tarentaal and Inyoni Creek.

Eleanor Motsepe on the move through the course.

Josephine Kew with volunteer Janine Tuson.

Lorraine Lowden lines up her shot. Looking good! 

Joy Smith, volunteer Jenny Holzberg and Gladys Rosenberg enjoy the golf and sunshine.

Phyllis Glass and her carer Emily.

Peggy Roberts with volunteer Dugald Paterson.

Volunteer Helen Dix with Christine Kincaid-Smith.

Looks like it’s going to be a hole-in-one for Eleanor Motsepe!

RSCC residents watching the action.

Water play bonds colleagues and builds relationships

The nursing staff of Ron Smith Care Centre’s River Lodge 1 and 2 packed their swimming towels and headed off to Happy Island water park in Muldersdrift on October 26 for a day of team-building fun.

Teamwork and team building are important aspects of the Eden Alternative people-first philosophy that has been embraced by the care centre and regular staff outings are thus organised by the staff, for the staff.

Sister Leanie Bessinger shares the events of the day:

“On arrival, we picked out a big enough spot for our large group of 19 people on the beach in front of the sea, pitched our gazebo and got organised.

“Everybody was in a hurry to get into the water. We didn’t know where to start as there were so many options of large waterslides, an enormous sea and, of course, the lazy river.

“We were like children giggling and laughing all the way, trying to pick our first water slide. We were a bit apprehensive going on our first ride as it was a huge waterslide, called ‘The Trumpet’. Four people go on one tube! I think we all had palpitations sitting on that tube waiting to be pushed down the slide.

“I don’t think we had ever screamed that hard. You literally shoot into an enormous trumpet and are pushed from one side to the other by a strong stream of water, until it spits you out at the bottom like a piece of chewing gum.

“Needless to say, we were laughing and screaming at the same time when we were ‘spat out’ into a small pool. We struggled to get out of the tube as we were all in stitches, laughing at each other screaming as we came down.

“The Trumpet was just the beginning of our adventurous day. We went on every slide possible. We tried the lazy river – on which we got stuck, swam in the sea and were tumbled by the waves – with some lost swimwear and counted down with the rest of the patrons each time a huge wave was coming. WE HAD FUN!

“On that day we forgot about all our troubles; we were carefree. We were like children starting a new adventure. Our only worry was which slide would be next.  

“I don’t think there was one person who did not enjoy themselves. We came back home tired and full of bruises, with painful bodies (a reminder of our real age!), some of us worse than others. But I think if you ask any of us if we would do it again, we would say ‘yes’ without a second thought.

“This day created a sense of camaraderie amongst us. When we see each other in the corridors, we greet each other with a smile, remembering the day we had so much fun together.”

The teams from River Lodge 1 and 2 at Happy Island.