Thembalami shows off to other Rand Aid residents
Winifred saw first-hand the big changes that have been made to both the building, the decor and the grounds over the past years.
Rand Aid properties had a high tea on August 3 to showcase the new look for the Thembalami Care Centre to the staff and residents of other care centres.
Nearly three years ago, Winifred Algar had a heavy heart when she had to leave her husband Roland at the Thembalami Care Centre.
Rowland had Alzheimer’s and Winifred was no longer able to care for him on her own.
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She said she spent a lot of time with him and eventually grew to accept what she could not change the situation.
She found great comfort, however, in seeing the work being done to transform the Rand Aid care centre into an inviting and nurturing home for its residents.
Winifred saw first-hand the big changes that have been made to both the building, the decor and the grounds over the past years.
“Our deepest appreciation and sincere congratulations,” said Winifred.
The 115-year-old NPO runs a number of retirement villages for older persons as well as a second care centre, all situated in and around Edenvale.
Around 60 residents from Rand Aid’s Tarentaal, Elphin Lodge, Thornhill Manor and Inyoni Creek attended the tea to see for themselves the structural and aesthetic changes made.
“I stand here today with gratitude in my heart for the hard work and careful thought that has gone into bringing about this remarkable transformation,” said Winifred.
She said a pleasant environment has been created both inside and outside for those who find themselves no longer able to attend to their daily needs.
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“Management has an open door policy and I have found the Thembalami team to be extremely approachable and obliging.
“They will go the extra mile to accommodate a request or attend to a problem.
“This morning, with pride, we are showing off our ‘new’ Thembalami,” said Winifred.
The function was organised by fourth year social work student Ellen Betridge, with the assistance of the Thembalami residents committee, as part of her community work project.
After refreshments and goodie bags had kindly been donated, visitors were taken on a tour through Thembalami.
“The feedback was positive. Our visitors could not believe the transformation,” said Elize Raath, manager of Thembalami Care Centre.
