Read all of Ron Smith Care Centre's latest news!

 

To read the full newsletter in pdf format, click here.

JOY Dogs spread Valentine’s love and cheer at RSCC

 

Rand Aid’s Ron Smith Care Centre residents and staff fell in love with the JOY Dogs that came to visit the care centre with their owner and handler Sue Green on 17 February.

Jade, Orion and Yola (JOY) are Old English Sheepdogs. Yola (9) comes from Hungary, Orion (4) comes from Russia and Jade (1½) was born in Bronkhorstspruit.

The JOY dogs visit to RSCC was the first time they have been action after a two-year break due to Covid-19.

“Their visit was a real Valentine’s treat for our residents, warming the hearts of all who had the privilege to meet them,” says Debbie Christen, Rand Aid’s manager of recreational programmes.

“The dogs seemed to enjoy the spacious Woodlands’ garden and recreation area and really lived up to their name, spreading love and JOY to all. Residents and staff alike were delighted to spend time with them, touch them, take photos with them and watch them do some tricks,” she adds.

On show were some garments made from the dogs’ hair, which is collected by Sue, spun on a spinning wheel and then knitted.

The dogs are the brand ambassadors for Dulux paint and are celebrities in their own right. Orion is also featured in current TV and social media adverts. The visit was Jade’s first time working as a JOY Dog and she thoroughly enjoyed it.

“The therapy dogs also visited and interacted with residents who live in RSCC’s dementia wing and, on their way out of the complex, were stopped and admired by residents at the coffee shop,” says Debbie.

Sue is hoping the visit will prompt the community to start booking the JOY Dogs again, after such a long Covid-19 break. They love meeting people, posing for photos and generally being admired and showing off. 

JOY Dogs is always looking for sponsors to help with the expenses of travelling to suitable venues, such as elderly care centres and schools.

For more information, visit www.joydogs.co.za, contact Sue at 082 455 8634 or email sue@joydogs.co.za.

Ada Zidel and Beth Roberts.

Bernice Jawitz and Elaine Cohen admire a blanket made of the sheep dogs’ hair.

Beth Roberts.

Delyse Burgess and Cathy Basterfield.

Ivor Cohen.

Joan Mullan.

JOY Dogs.

JOY Dogs  Jade, Yola and Orion arriving at RSCC with their owner Sue Green.

Joy Smith.

Lorraine Lowden.

Louise Newman with Jade.

Marge Trinder and Orion.

Mona Knodell.

Noel Tilney.

Olive Jew with Orion - Ellen Quinn looking on.

Paul Roediger.

Ria Milburn.

 

 

Ron Smith Care Centre celebrates a week of love

Rand Aid's Ron Smith Care Centre recently celebrated a week of Valentine's love, laughter, fun and surprises, which included a Cake Pop Surprise, Valentine's tea and decorating cupcakes, refreshments by the lake,  a Valentine's game, bingo and a quiz, a morning tea with Danish pastries, and a romantic movie and making Valentine's chocolates.

Evelyn Shilubane and Ugo Gait playing the Valentine's Game.  It’s a match – you won!

Valentine's Day morning at the lake.

Basha Videlefsky.

Bela Nadori.

Bernice Jawitz.

Beryl O’Donnell.

Dinis Francisco and Vernon Mitchell.

Doreen Woodward.

Lorna Topp.

Mary Johnstone.

Molly Matroos, Marlé Gräbe, Margaret Richardson and Julia Mali.

The residents made these chocolates during Valentine's Week. They looked beautiful and tasted delicious!

Walter Serebro – another winner with the Valentine's Game.

RSCC bids farewell to Hilda

 

Rand Aid senior nursing manager Avril Maltman with Hilda Mabaso.

Ron Smith Care Centre (RSCC) bid a fond farewell to Elphin Lodge and RSCC housekeeping supervisor Hilda Mabaso on 28 January.

Hilda joined Rand Aid Association 12 years ago, and has been responsible for housekeeping at Elphin Lodge and RSCC ever since.

RSCC’s housekeeping, kitchen and management staff gathered at the RSCC Woodlands lapa and garden area to honour Hilda for her contribution to the care centre and its residents over the years.

“In her time at RSCC, Hilda formed many good relationships and had a positive impact on residents and staff alike. It was clear that the housekeeping staff, under her supervision and care, have a lot of love and respect for her and will miss her so much,” says Rand Aid’s senior nursing manager Avril Maltman.

In her farewell speech, Hilda thanked God for the gift of life and for giving her the opportunity to be part of Rand Aid’s family. She also thanked management for caring for her physical health and well-being and for the opportunity to acquire new skills.

Hilda was very happy when Rand Aid introduced the Eden Alternative to the care centre and, once it was put in place, she had a real sense of family and belonging. After attending the Open Hearts, Open Minds workshop, Hilda says she realised why she was here and felt a new sense of purpose. 

Hilda was especially pleased to be able to participate and get involved in RSCC’s resident activities programme and says she is grateful for all of the opportunities for growth and self- development.

One of the highlights of her time at RSCC is when she was cast as the character of ‘Scrooge’ in the care centre’s musical version of the Charles Dicken’s play ‘A Christmas Carol’. She says this brought to light her hidden talents and love of music, dancing and acting which, in turn, brought joy and laughter to residents and staff. She is grateful that her abilities were discovered, nurtured, encouraged and developed.

The day after her retirement party, Hilda was right back to doing what she loves best –helping others and bringing smiles to faces while working with a catering team to provide food for a church outreach programme. 

Her plans for the future include a possible trip to see the Victoria Falls, and a whole lot of ‘chilling’.