Everyday COVID-19 heroes receive lovely surprise

All 300 of Ron Smith Care Centre’s residents and staff were treated to a lovely surprise when they were each presented with a Lindt chocolate bunny, compliments of friends of Rand Aid. 

Rae Hurwitz was a long-time resident of Elphin Lodge and Ron Smith Care Centre, where she passed away last year. In memory of Rae, her family donated the chocolate treats, which brought happy smiles and joy to residents and staff alike. 

“Chocolate is always a winner, especially during this extended lockdown when little treats go a long way to lift spirits and to acknowledge the courage, hard work and dedication of care centre staff,” says Debbie Christen, Rand Aid’s Recreational Programmes Manager.

Some of the housekeeping and kitchen staff delighted to receive their gift.

Betty Furman of Tarentaal, who received recuperative care at Ron Smith.

Josephine Kew with her chocolate bunny.

Sylvia Lasarow.

Beryl Backhouse.

 Johannes Mojela accepts the chocolate treats on behalf of the Security team.

Thank you letter to Ron Smith Care Centre

To the amazing Rand Aid team
On 20 June, our Mom Jill sent us a worrying ‘goodbye’. While we know she is older and has underlying conditions, it was a shock.
While we were grateful that this was not COVID-19, it was nonetheless frightening and the distance made it feel less within our control.

During the weekend, Staff Nurse Christina, supported by Dr Carmella Mielke and the rest of the team nursed Jill back from a very poorly situation. SN Christina was kind when I called and reassured me.
Over the next few weeks, Jill gained strength and improved.
Thank you all for your dedication and committed nursing. It is very appreciated and valued.With thanks and warm regards
Lynley, Carolyn and our families
PS - Please share with the Woodlands team.

Ron Smith Care Centre residents receive bags of love

Rand Aid’s Ron Smith Care Centre recently arranged for care packages to be sent by family members to their loved ones to in some small way fill the gap left by the no-visitor lockdown regulation.

“The families bought carefully selected goodies to warm their loved one’s heart,” says social worker Debbie Beech.

“With the lockdown being indefinite, we brainstormed ideas about connecting families with their loved ones without actual contact. Hence the idea of sending individualised care packs or gifts for their loved ones to let them know they are missing them and thinking of them.

“The families responded really positively and gifts have ranged from a tin of condensed milk to teddies and chocolates. The gifts are accompanied by a letter or card or photos of the family.

“We also had a couple of donations of extra items for residents with no family so we could put something together for them,” says Debbie.

Resident Irene Green after receiving her goodie bag.

Syd Philips reads the letter sent to him in the care package that was carefully put together by his family.

This beautiful scarf was among the treats in Ronel Gray’s gift bag.