Care centre residents take part in outdoor wellness games
Residents enjoyed low-impact games, fresh air, and friendship to support health and happiness.
Sunshine, classical music and the whack of mallets set the tone as residents from Thembalami Care Centre and the Max Ordman Deaf Association (MODA) visited Thornhill Manor for a day of outdoor occupational therapy (OT) games.
The event held on August 25 was designed to boost mobility and cognition while fostering connection.
The programme, which featured croquet and other fun games, was led by Thembalami occupational therapist Tsakani Shihlomule and her team, and Thornhill Manor’s resident, Vicky Keenan, a retired qualified occupational therapist who runs Thornhill Manor’s Happy Chatters OT group.
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Over the course of the session, five games were managed in rotation to keep groups small, safe and engaged.
Participants also enjoyed a spread of snacks between rounds.
“This was a truly joyful occasion,” said Karen Griessel, Thornhill Manor’s social worker.
“It’s always special when former Thornhill residents who now live at Thembalami can come back to visit old friends.”
Organisers say the choice of activities was deliberate: gentle, low-impact games that challenge co-ordination and balance while encouraging strategic thinking and focus.
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“Outdoor OT games play a vital role in enhancing older adults’ well-being,” Griessel said.
“They support independence by improving mobility and preventing falls. “The combination of fresh air, light activity and meaningful interaction is powerful,” Karen said. “Days like this remind us that wellness is holistic.”
