Social workers of Rand Aid celebrated

World Social Work Day saw Rand Aid pay recognise its social workers who are crucial in providing essential psychosocial support at its facilities.

Observed on March 18, this year’s theme was Strengthening Intergenerational Solidarity for Enduring Wellbeing.

“Social workers help people navigate emotional challenges like grief, loneliness and major life transitions.

“They offer counselling and crisis intervention when needed,” said Ayanda Matthews, Rand Aid’s general manager of care and human resources.

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As SA experiences a significant outflow of its younger population, a quiet crisis unfolds: Leaving behind elderly parents.

“With their children seeking opportunities abroad, many seniors are left behind, facing loneliness and vulnerability. Into this void step dedicated social workers.

“They become more than just service providers; they become surrogate family members, offering practical assistance and the essential human connection,” said Matthews.

The general manager of commercial and compliance, Amanda Diener, highlighted social workers’ evolving role, particularly in frail care settings where families are geographically distant.

“In many cases, social workers effectively become the next-of-kin for residents, providing essential support when loved ones cannot be present.

“The traditional, often paternalistic approach of treating older individuals as mere ‘cases’ is outdated,” explained Diener.

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Rand Aid’s social workers prioritise providing vital psychosocial support to residents needing their services.

Recognising the feelings of isolation and challenges of declining health among some residents, they proactively do care visits, ensuring they overlook no one.

Matthews said social workers also serve as vital liaisons, connecting residents and their families with community resources and advocating for their rights and well-being.

“Beyond individual support, they promote interaction and reduce isolation, fostering a sense of belonging for residents,” she said.

In celebration of the awareness day, Rand Aid social workers shared their insights on their work and its impact.

Thornhill Manor

According to Karen Griessel, the Thornhill Manor retirement village social worker, there are various ways society can better support the well-being of its elderly population.

“We should modify our plans to include the elderly by considering their interests, wants and needs. If you see an older person struggling with something, try to reach out and help. Take an interest by asking them questions about their life, especially their past experiences.

“Show respect to an older person, such as opening a door for them. Acknowledge their wisdom and earned status, and listen intently to their insights,” Griessel said.

She said it is vital that parents teach their children to respect seniors.

Thembalami Care Centre

Elize Raath, the deputy manager at the Thembalami Care Centre, is also a social worker, as is the centre’s Lara Hurwitz.

Raath shared the story of a Thembalami resident who, as a result of a stroke, was wheelchair-bound, incontinent and depressed. He lacked self-esteem and was dependent on the care centre’s social workers and care staff.

The team started passive exercises and gradually encouraged him to walk short distances, with a carer placing a wheelchair further away to motivate him.

He gained confidence, and with help from a physiotherapist, the carers learnt exercises to aid his recovery. The social workers provided emotional support throughout.

Encouraged, he reconciled with his ex-wife and son, and his health improved. He stopped wearing adult nappies, started walking and moved out of frail care, said Raath.

He visited his ex-wife on weekends and even travelled to Greece with his family, sending photos of his holiday.

He became a much-loved, witty gentleman before passing away from prostate cancer at Thembalami.

“It was so rewarding to see his transformation from a fragile man to a vibrant one with a renewed purpose,” said Raath.

“We cheered for him as he reached each milestone. For me, it was the wonder of seeing how he transformed into a vibrant man who wanted to live again.”

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One of the challenges some Thembalmi residents face is that their families live abroad, and Raath said many feel lonely.
“The advancement of technology and the ability to phone family via tablets helps significantly. Some residents have set times to speak with their loved ones, and it’s heartwarming to see how these conversations lift their spirits and bring them joy,” she added.

Elphin Lodge and the Ron Smith Care Centre

According to Nadine Radford, a social worker at the Elphin Lodge retirement village and Ron Smith Care Centre, elders face significant challenges.

“A serious challenge is maintaining a sense of autonomy while navigating the complexities of their living situations. Many elderly strive to retain their independence, yet the reality of frailty can make this difficult,” Radford said.

“Transition from independent living to frail care can be overwhelming for residents and their families. Often, families feel uncertain about when it’s appropriate to make such a move, and the elderly might feel reluctant to leave the familiar comfort of their homes,” she added.

Radford helps families understand this transition, emphasising that supportive services can empower the individual and their loved ones.

“I aim to be the voice for those who might feel they can’t cope. Sometimes, elderly residents are still capable and wish to remain in their homes, so this is when placing the right supportive services becomes crucial.

“I work diligently to identify and implement these services, ensuring they align with the individual’s needs and preferences.

“Moreover, I hold space for families and residents in a non-judgmental manner, allowing the freedom to express their fears and concerns.

“This compassionate support helps create an environment where they feel heard and respected, enabling more open conversations about their needs and feelings,” said Radford.

Navigating these challenges is not easy, but with patience, understanding and the right resources, elderly loved ones can be helped to keep their dignity and joy in this phase of their lives.

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Inyoni Creek

Inyoni Creek retirement village’s social worker Michelle Matsolo said one of the most significant ways society can enhance the well-being of its elderly population is by fostering independent living environments that prioritise individuals’ needs and preferences.

“At Inyoni Creek, we focus on what makes life worth living. By emphasising person-directed values, we ensure we make care decisions that respect and reflect each resident’s wishes, honouring their journey in a compassionate environment,” Matsolo said.

A highlight for her is hearing the residents’ life stories,

“It’s inspiring to witness how they continue embracing life fully, proving that age doesn’t define one’s ability to enjoy life.

“Learning from their diverse experiences is a joy, reminding us of the importance of supporting our elderly population in meaningful ways that recognise their wealth of knowledge and the valuable contribution they can still make to the world.”

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Social workers and substance abuse
Adèl Grobbelaar, the manager of the South African National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (Sanca) Wedge Gardens, holds Honours degrees in social work and psychology.

Grobbelaar said her social work experience helps her see beyond addiction, allowing her to provide clients with the social support and skills they need to rebuild their lives and rejoin society after rehabilitation.

“Social workers are skilled at helping to identify the root causes of clients’ substance use, such as trauma or socioeconomic factors, allowing for targeted treatment that addresses these underlying issues and minimises the risk of future relapse,” she added.

Sanca Wedge Gardens’ social workers are Senamile Mackaukau, Amanda van Staden, Laetitia Goosen and Philani Khumalo.