Ron Smith Care Centre is the first organisation in Gauteng and the second in Africa to become a member of the Eden Alternative South Africa registry.
This means the Rand Aid Association care centre has joined over 350 international long-term care communities committed to improving the quality of life and care for the people they serve.
Founded in the USA in 1991 by Dr William Thomas, a Harvard-educated physician and Board Certified Geriatrician, the Eden Alternative is a small not-for-profit organisation already making a big difference across the world. The philosophy is based on the core belief that ageing should be a continued stage of development and growth, rather than a period of decline.
The core concept of the Eden Alternative is strikingly simple.
It is about teaching us to see places where elders live as habitats for human beings rather than facilities for the frail and elderly. This approach supports the creation of communities which eliminate the plagues of loneliness, helplessness and boredom.
On November 24, gaily-decorated tables were set up inside a marquee in the grounds of the Ron Smith Care Centre. Residents, staff members, volunteers and members of the Rand Aid board and village committees gathered to witness Mr Rayne Stroebel, the Eden Alternative Regional Co-ordinator: South Africa, present an official Eden plaque to Mr Rae Brown, Rand Aid CEO, and Ms Zabeth Zühlsdorff, Rand Aid GM: Services and Advance Division.
The care centre began its Eden Alternative journey in 2012, with a presentation by Mr Stroebel to the Rand Aid board. Since then, a number of physical and operational changes were made to meet Eden Alternative assessment criteria.
“Ladies and gentlemen, whoever said that you cannot teach an old dog new tricks, was wrong,” said Ms Zühlsdorff.
“Here we are, after 26 years, and the Ron Smith Care Centre has been transformed. In 1990, when this care centre was built, everyone still thought that residential care for elders should resemble hospitals, both in structure and services,” she said.
She explained that then, excellent nursing care, good housekeeping, nutritious food and efficient administration were considered sufficient when it came to the care of older people.
“But so much more is needed. Through our Eden Alternative journey, we realised that our mission is not simply to nurse patients. Our starting point should be to provide a real home for each elder who chooses to live with us. A home where each person feels valued, has the opportunity to grow, to develop new interests, practice old and new hobbies, socialise with family and friends, contribute to the community, and have meaningful relationships with staff and other elders. In short, we must ensure that each elder is enabled to live life to the fullest as part of a loving, caring and supportive family. And in surroundings that resemble home as much as possible,” said Ms Zühlsdorff.
Chairman of the Rand Aid Board, Mr John Robinson explained how Rand Aid has changed over the years and committed to working towards the roll-out of Eden principles at all Rand Aid properties.
Board member Mr Neil Garden congratulated management and staff on their achievement, saying they go about their work with great enthusiasm and compassion.
Ms Jill Jones spoke on behalf of her fellow residents.
“We are treated as individuals with different needs and wants. Many of our sisters and carers should be sprouting angel wings or halos as they go about their daily tasks,” said |Mr Garden.
For information on Eden Alternative South Africa, visit the website at www.edenalt.co.za.
Alternatively, visit the website www.randaid.co.za for more information regarding the Ron Smith Care Centre.
