New-look OT for Wedge Gardens
People started abusing substances at a much older age than they do today. Now we have children as young as nine addicted to drugs and by the time they are 18, they are often hardened addicts.
In line with its commitment to holistic rehabilitation, Wedge Gardens treatment centre has renovated its occupational therapy (OT) suite.
On March 20, visitors to the Rand Aid Association treatment centre in Whitney Gardens were given a tour of the new facility, which boasts a central work area, games nook, relaxation therapy room, kitchen to teach essential life skills like cooking, a functional area to wash art and craft tools, a bathroom, an office for the therapists and a students’ room for the final year Wits students who complete their practical training at Wedge Gardens.
Wedge Gardens was started in 1943 as an alcohol rehabilitation centre.
In the past, the majority of clients were 28 years and older.
“People started abusing substances at a much older age than they do today. Now we have children as young as nine addicted to drugs and by the time they are 18, they are often hardened addicts,” said Ms Adele Grobbelaar.
She added that before many substance abusers who sought treatment had matriculated and qualified as tradesmen.
“Today, the implication of early onset substance abuse is that addicts often leave school at a very early age. They may run away or be kicked out of home because of their abusive behaviour and theft. The type of drugs available on the street now also impacts negatively on brain functions. Designer drugs are not only more addictive but also lead to psychiatric disorders such as bi-polar, major depression and schizophrenia. Some patients test positive for five out of the six substances used on a six-panel drug testing kit. Therefore, the drugs today cause more severe cravings,” said Ms Grobbelaar.
A large number of people currently going through rehab at Wedge Gardens have not finished school; have a secondary psychiatric diagnosis; many are HIV-positive and most have had no vocational training and have little idea of what they want to do to support themselves.
“Occupational therapists are geared to help a person introduce structure to his life. They impart great practical tips on meeting goals and staying focused. Simple practical exercises like baking a cake can show if a person is able to follow instructions and plan ahead.
“Holistic occupational assessment looks at cognitive, physical, social and spiritual development,” said Ms Grobbelaar.
“With psycho-therapy you need to hope and have faith that a patient will see the reward or slip out of denial and address the root problems behind their substance abuse. However, with occupational therapy there is an immediate awareness that something is wrong; the person realises they cannot follow a recipe without help or are unable to string beads because of their impaired hand-eye co-ordination.
“Once they realise this, it is easier to break through denial.”
Renovations started on the current OT building a few months ago.
Some inner walls were knocked down and task-specific areas created.
Wedge Gardens residents did much of the work. Kevin and Erna Buytendag of Elect Crete donated electrical fittings, Brett Young from Spectra Spray donated spray paint, and residents of Inyoni Creek retirement village, which is also Rand Aid-run, made a number of donations, including the gift of curtains which was organised by Inyoni Creek resident Helen Parkinson.
Rand Aid Association met any shortfalls with regard to the renovations and equipment needed to make the OT department fully functional.
