RSCC newsletter: December 2022 / January 2023

 

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Fruit and ice cream a hit at summer picnic

Summer fruit and sunshine was the name of the game at Rand Aid’s Ron Smith Care Centre (RSCC) on 17 November when residents enjoyed a picnic at the dam.

After a week of cool, cloudy, rainy weather, RSCC residents enjoyed a bright and warm day at RSCC’s outdoor summer party.

Debbie Christen, Rand Aid’s manager of recreational programmes, says gazebos were set up all along the dam and gaily decorated with red, white and green balloons and red and white checked tablecloths. 

“All of the residents and staff from the six RSCC residential wings dressed in their special team colour, which was allocated to them at the Special Olympics event in June – so blue, green, red, yellow, orange and purple were the colours of the day,” she adds.

Everyone gathered at the main dining room and enjoyed a short walk to the dam.

Vanilla ice cream cones and a lovely fresh fruit salad made with watermelon, spanspek, pineapple, kiwi, strawberries, nectarines, apples, pawpaw, bananas, gooseberries, sweet melon and blackberries were on the picnic menu and thoroughly enjoyed by all.

“Some residents commented on how lovely it was to be treated to the fresh fruit of the summer season and residents and staff are always happy to be offered ice cream,” says Debbie.

“It was a lovely morning. Everyone enjoyed the beautiful outdoor setting and watching the ducks and goslings in the water,” she adds.

The pictured residents are from:

Blue: River Lodge 1

Green: River Lodge 2

Red: River Lodge 3

Yellow: Woodlands

Orange: Cedar Park

Purple: Lakeside

RSCC introduces music therapy for residents: River Lodge 2

 

Rand Aid’s Ron Smith Care Centre (RSCC) residents are loving their new weekly music therapy sessions.

According to the South African Network for Arts Therapies Organisation, music therapy uses music as a therapeutic intervention to address emotional, cognitive, physical and transpersonal needs, among others. It aims to develop potential and improve quality of life through prevention, treatment or rehabilitation.

“Music therapy fits in well with the Eden Alternative practised at RSCC, which is revolutionising the way in which Elders are cared for,” says Debbie Christen, Rand Aid’s head of recreational programmes.

RSCC pioneered person-centred care by becoming the first organisation in Africa to achieve Milestone 2 on the Eden Alternative Registry in April 2020.

“The Eden Alternative initiative ensures that we bring the highest level of care and well-being to our residents and takes into account their holistic well-being, not just their physical care,” says Debbie.

Registered music therapist Annelet Prinsloo started music therapy sessions on RSCC’s River Lodge 2 and 3 in October.

“The sessions involve listening to music; remembering and enjoying songs from the past;  singing along to well-known songs; music and movement; rhythmical activities with various percussion instruments; and gentle movement and relaxation. Our residents and staff are loving it,” says Debbie.

Basil James, Florence Mthetwa, Trudi Thijs, Tshepo Malatjie.

Basil James.

Connie Ndlela.

Dorothy Thomas.

Eddie Lazer.

Eddie Lazer.

Johanna Jennings.

Johanna Jennings.

Kay Pratt & Mona Knoddel.

Magda Glibert.

Selina Shiviri.

Student nurse.

Trudi Thijs.

Ugo Gait, Odette  Matamba, Kay Pratt.

Ugo Gait.