Residents find joy and meaning in their lives
Ms Christen has a bachelor’s degree in Recreation Education from the University of British Columbia in Canada and has extensive experience in developing meaningful recreational programmes for the elderly.
The Rand Aid Association recently demonstrated its commitment to person-centred care when it created a new position to help the 112-year-old NPO develop holistic recreational programmes for all residents.
Ms Debbie Christen joined Rand Aid in mid-February as the manager of recreational programmes.
She will spend most of her time at the various Rand Aid complexes, which include care centres and retirement villages, where she will interact with residents and staff in planning and facilitating activities which meet the needs of, and are relevant to, individuals.
Ms Christen has a bachelor’s degree in Recreation Education from the University of British Columbia in Canada and has extensive experience in developing meaningful recreational programmes for the elderly.
“Similar qualifications are not available locally,” said Ms Zabeth Zühlsdorff, Rand Aid’s general manager of services and advance division.
“The philosophy that informs her work is aligned with the Eden Alternative Model we are pursuing, which focuses on the alleviation of boredom and loneliness and using activities to bring joy and meaning to older people,” she said.
A resident of Johannesburg, Debbie was born in Canada but moved to South Africa 28 years ago.
“My primary interest in working with the elderly residents of Rand Aid is taking a person-centred approach to discover the essence of who they are, what they need, and what would bring value and quality of life at this stage in their lives.
“I am so glad that Rand Aid has embraced the person-centred care concept and recognises the importance of emphasising and affirming the individual,” said Ms Christen.
“Before any new programmes are put into place, I want to first spend time with the residents, finding out their interests, their stories, who they are, their likes and dislikes, so that activities that truly interest them can be developed.
“In bringing joy and meaning to people, a one-size-fits-all approach cannot be followed. I want to discover what makes an individual’s eyes light up, what makes them smile and laugh, engage with others and have fun,” she added.
“We are convinced that Debbie will assist us greatly in our Eden Alternative journey,” said Ms Rae Brown, Rand Aid’s chief executive office.
“She will be responsible for creating a model for setting up and developing meaningful recreational activities within all of Rand Aid’s complexes.”
Ms Christen will work closely with the occupational therapy (OT) department and nursing services in order to integrate the existing OT and care programmes with additional recreational programmes.
It is hoped that volunteers will also play an increasingly important role in assisting with the overall activities programme.
