Resident and nurse tell their stories
"Lynne and Nakedi were able to celebrate their stories together."
The Who Am I initiative, launched last year at Rand Aid’s Ron Smith Care Centre, aims to show that the residents are more than just individuals who need care but are colourful personalities with rich histories.
On May 13 residents and staff of the River Lodge Three wing all gathered in their lounge to listen to resident Mrs Lynne Russell and enrolled nursing auxiliary Nakedi Chokoe
Who Am I encourages residents and staff to get to know one another better by sharing their personal stories.
Not only were residents and staff members present, but Mrs Russell’s family came to support her. The family were grateful to have their mother and grandmother’s story told and acknowledged, and to have the opportunity to remember and celebrate her personhood, with all her accomplishments and what she enjoyed and found meaningful in her life.
Lynne and Nakedi were able to celebrate their stories together.
“What a truly wonderful occasion this was” said Lynne’s husband, Brian. “I can’t imagine that anyone there did not enjoy it to the full. I haven’t seen Lynne so happy since she moved to River Lodge Three. This event demonstrated that even in the frailties of growing old, one can still have enjoyment with all one’s friends that surround one each day. Having Nakedi sharing the occasion made it just that much more fun,” said Mr Russell.
