Care centre branches out
JOBURG - A 1.5m baobab tree made out of wire stands tall in the grounds of the Ron Smith Care Centre.
The Rand Aid Association-run centre has been undergoing considerable rejuvenation as it moves towards full Eden Alternative accreditation. This will see it acknowledged as part of a group of international organisations that are adopting a new, personalised approach to people care.
Known as the tree of life, the baobab tree was incorporated into the logo of Eden Alternative South Africa when the international philosophy was introduced in 2011.
The tree is also called the upside-down tree in the African culture because when bare of leaves, the spreading branches of the baobab look like roots sticking up into the air. If one aligns this imagery with the Eden principles, it symbolises that person-directed care stems from and is driven by the needs of the resident as opposed to the usual hierarchy with leaders at the top dictating downwards.
The nurturing associated with this venerable tree is well aligned with Ron Smith’s Eden Alternative journey, demonstrating the 160-bed facility’s growth in recent years in providing a loving, supportive and non-institutionalised new home for its residents.
The wire baobab will bear the care centre’s vision and mission statement to allow residents, their families and the staff members to give their input prior to the formal adopting of these core statements. Thereafter, it will be used as a wish and gratitude tree.
Details: 011 882 4120.
