Rand Aid encourages families to explore retirement and care options
Founded in 1903, Rand Aid initially supported vulnerable people in Johannesburg for more than 100 years.
Community members considering retirement living or care for an older family member had an opportunity to consider their options when Rand Aid Association held an open day.
The open day was held on October 17 and provided visitors the opportunity to tour retirement villages and care centres, speak to staff and residents and learn more about the different levels of support available as people’s needs change.
Rand Aid CEO Gert Coetzee said people should start considering where they want to live before the need becomes urgent.
“People often leave the decision about where they will live when they retire or need care until the last minute.
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“That can make things more difficult, particularly where there are waiting lists.
“It is better to investigate the options and get your name on a waiting list while you still have the time and independence to make the decision yourself.”
For families considering residential care, the open day provided an opportunity to ask questions about the practical and emotional aspects of moving an older person into care.
A century of caringFounded in 1903, Rand Aid initially supported vulnerable people in Johannesburg.
Its services have evolved over the years to meet the changing needs of older people and the wider community.
Rand Aid opened its first home for frail older women in 1918, followed by Cransley House for women pensioners in 1924 and Jordan House in 1927.
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Further expansion saw Bramley House and cottages established in 1960 and Helen House for frail care in 1961.
The organisation later developed Tarentaal, Elphin Lodge, Thornhill Manor and Inyoni Creek retirement villages, as well as the Ron Smith and Thembalami care centres.
The Rand Aid Welfare Development Trust was established in 1997 to strengthen funding for Rand Aid initiatives.
Support as needs change
Rand Aid provides different levels of support, from independent retirement living to residential care.
Independent-living residents have access to security infrastructure and a 24-hour care phone service for urgent medical assistance and maintenance support.
Supportive living home-based care and on-site psychosocial services are also available to help residents remain independent for as long as possible.
When more support is required, the organisation’s care centres provide services tailored to individual needs, including memory care, ongoing physical care, respite care for families and day-care services.
Thembalami Care Centre deputy manager Elize Raath said one visitor who attended the open day, an 82-year-old professional nurse, arrived with her son and explored the care centre, including its gardens.
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“She was so impressed that she told her son Thembalami was where she wanted to come should she need care,” said Raath.
Visitors also viewed the sensory stimulation and occupational therapy room, where staff demonstrated activities used to support residents’ well-being and engagement.
At Thornhill Manor, village manager Shaun Victor highlighted how members of the village committee who helped with the open day received positive feedback from visitors.
“Visitors were very impressed with Thornhill,” said Victor.
“They commented on the grounds and gardens, but also on the general feel of the village and the sense of community.”
More than retirement and care
Rand Aid’s services extend beyond retirement living and residential care.
The organisation also operates SANCA Wedge Gardens Treatment Centre, which provides specialised support for men with substance use disorders through private and government-subsidised programmes.
The treatment centre offers monitored detoxification, inpatient treatment and halfway-house services.
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Its multidisciplinary team includes a clinical psychologist, social workers, medical and nursing practitioners and a spiritual therapist.
Those who could not attend the open day but would like to find out more about Rand Aid’s retirement villages or care facilities can arrange an individual tour.
Contact Erica on 011 882 2510 or 010 100 3656.
