No stopping the spread of Mandela Day cheer
“The messages were written from the heart, with some residents even writing to family members.”
Rand Aid Association’s Ron Smith Care Centre (RSCC) residents and employees celebrated Mandela Day by writing postcards for fellow Rand Aid residents.
The postcards were delivered with sweets to residents and staff at Rand Aid’s sister care centre Thembalami Care Centre and the Max Ordman Deaf Association.
Rand Aid’s senior nursing manager Avril Maltman and RSCC’s sister Leanie Bessinger made the delivery to Thembalami’s manager Esme van der Walt and matron Paulina Namo to hand out to residents.
In previous years, RSCC and Elphin Lodge Retirement Village residents and staff celebrated Mandela Day by gathering together for a knitathon.
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The knitted squares were sewn together to make blankets, which were donated to a charity.
Due to Covid-19 lockdown level four regulations this year, RSCC had to find a safe way to celebrate Mandela Day.
“Writing postcards engaged our residents and staff in a meaningful way while acknowledging our sister care centre’s residents and staff, who were also working on Mandela Day,” said Avril.
“The messages were written from the heart, with some residents even writing to family members.
“What was special was watching RSCC’s Riverlodge three residents, many of whom have advanced dementia, being able to put pen to paper to write their postcards,” highlighted Avril.
Rand Aid’s general manager of services and advance division Zabeth Zühlsdorff said the idea of older persons reaching out to each other in similar situations falls in line with Rand Aid’s Eden Alternative philosophy.
Zabeth said it is empowering to not only receive care but to also provide it.
“It shows that older persons, just because they need care, are not helpless and self-centred.
“They can think of others who may also need a word of encouragement and they can understand how others feel and empathise with them.”
Zabeth said due to Covid-19, everyone in residential care facilities is limited in terms of contact with the outside world, with friends and family.
“To know that there is someone else in the same boat and understand how it is must have been very nice for Thembalami’s residents to know, especially coupling this with Mandela Day and acknowledging the great sacrifices Madiba made during his lifetime,” said Zabeth.
Some of the messages included:
“Good people, I wish you well and am always thinking of you with peace and love. The heroes are those who make peace and rebuild,” said Mariane Duvenage, from Riverlodge one.
“Hello, good people. Have a happy day, get well and be protected and safe. Love you lots,” said Dolly Luke, from Riverlodge one.
“To care for those who once cared for us is one of the highest honours,” said Josephine Kew, from Riverlodge one.
“Happy Mandela Day. Enjoy your day,” said Megan Weeks from Lakeside.
“On this very important day in South Africa, we remember our very great leader with love and respect,” said Rhona Burnham from Riverlodge three.
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