Nonagenarian is no stranger to live-altering global events

When Sylvia Lasarow turned 92 on April 14, 2020, it was in the middle of the national coronavirus lockdown and her loved ones were unable to be with her. However, Rand Aid’s Ron Smith Care Centre, where Sylvia lives, made sure that her birthday did not slip quietly by.

Although social distancing protocols had to be applied, a birthday tea was hosted for her.

Born in England, Sylvia has lived through a number of global events that altered life drastically, just as the coronavirus is doing. Most notable was World War II. She remembers gas mask drills being held daily while she was at school. Her family was evacuated from Plymouth where they lived – which was a major naval base – to the moors in Torquay to escape the bombings.

Sylvia – who lost husband Peter when he was just 43 – was a passionate Stroke Aid volunteer for 19 years. “I was also delighted to work with underprivileged children and children with learning disabilities at an early learning centre.”

Before moving to the care centre over four years ago, she lived at Rand Aid’s Inyoni Creek retirement village.

World War II shaped the life of Ron Smith Care Centre resident Sylvia Lasarow (92) and today, she is living through the coronavirus.

Keeping smiles in place during the coronavirus lockdown

Rand Aid Association’s Ron Smith Care Centre is doing everything it can during the national coronavirus lockdown to ensure that its residents remained happy and engaged in meaningful activities.

Bella becomes nonagenarian during COVID-19 lockdown

Bella Tworetzky, a resident of Rand Aid’s Ron Smith Care Centre, turned 90 years old on April 9, 2020 – smack bang in the middle of South Africa’s coronavirus lockdown.

Although none of her family members were able to wish her in person on the day, the staff on the River Lodge 3 wing where Bella lives did all they could to make her day special.

Cake, juice, a red rose and birthday card decorated the table when staff members gathered to wish her happy birthday.

Photos taken on the day were sent to Bella’s family members, so they could feel included.

Daughter Nadine responded:

Thank you so much.

We are so overwhelmed by the amazing care, concern and goodwill that is being shown to our precious mom.

We really salute all your efforts and the gracious warmth and care shown to our mom, albeit we are new arrivals.

Thank you one and all

May you all merit to continue in the wonderful work you so selflessly do.

As soon as lockdown is over, we shall come and thank you all in person

Best wishes

Nadine Kramer and Eve Samson and families.

No birthday left uncelebrated during the lockdown

Birthday celebrant Jill Jones.

Rand Aid’s Ron Smith Care Centre is ensuring that those residents who celebrate a birthday during lockdown still feel special on their big day. Resident Jill Jones turned 77 on April 6, 2020.  

“Sister Gwen Coutinho bought a cake, we lit some birthday candles and the staff gathered round in her room to sing happy birthday,” says Debbie Christen, Rand Aid’s Manager: Recreational Programmes. To make Jill’s loved ones feel included – even though they were unable to be there in person – photos of the celebration were emailed to daughters Lynley, who lives in England, and Carolyn who lives in Canada, as well as to Jill’s brother, John, who lives in Durban.

Lynley responded:

Hello Debbie

Thank you for the care you and all the teams at Rand Aid give to Jillie.

The photos are lovely - very heart-warming to see them.

Best wishes to all for a safe week.

Regards

Lynley

Flowers are meant to be shared, not locked away

 Bright, beautiful blooms were donated to Rand Aid’s Ron Smith Care Centre by Anthony Schäffler from Schäffler’s Garden Nursery and Landscaping.

Anthony said the plants would not thrive unattended in his nursery during the national coronavirus lockdown. Instead of leaving them to flower in a locked nursery where no-one would see their beauty, he chose to give them to the care centre.

“He said that he’s giving them to us to be used to bring a bit of happiness to our Elders,” says Rand Aid’s Debbie Christen, the Manager of Recreational Programmes.

“A beautiful purple orchid is already earmarked for resident Kitty Venn who celebrates her 103rd birthday on April 5. Other flowering plants will be gifted to our residents who will appreciate the beautifying of their rooms and the cheer the flowers will bring.

“A large crate of red and green succulents is designated for a garden area between two of the care centre wings and will bring joy to all who see them.

“Plants and flowers are always welcome at the care centre, especially for those residents who rarely receive gifts of this kind.  Thanks to Anthony for his thoughtful kindness,” says Debbie

Anthony Schäffler from Schäffler’s Garden Nursery and Landscaping with some of the beautiful plants he donated to Ron Smith Care Centre during the coronavirus lockdown.