Keeping loneliness at bay at Thembalami

Thembalami Care Centre social worker Lara Hurwitz said that initiatives are in place to keep residents’ spirits high during lockdown.
“Loneliness, helplessness and boredom are a challenge in most facilities and this has been worsened as a result of the lockdown because family and friends cannot visit and the residents are not able to go out,” she said.
The deputy manager of the Rand Aid care centre, Elize Raath, has scheduled several additional activities to complement the existing programme offered by the occupational therapy department.
“This is helping to keep residents stimulated and occupied. In addition, we are helping residents keep in touch with their families via telephone and WhatsApp video calls.
“We have also arranged with a local Pick n Pay to place food and toiletry orders by email and they deliver for free, which allows residents to get what they need – plus a few treats – without having to venture off the property.
“It is important to maintain as much normality as possible and for the staff to remain positive so that the residents don’t feel too unsettled. Of course, this is not always easy and as with all people in lockdown, our residents sometimes get cabin fever. We are working hard to find creative ways to engage our residents in meaningful activities,” said Hurwitz.
A hit with residents is Elize’s story-time, when she reads aloud to residents.
“Elize is a real people’s person who is quick to smile, and these occasions are much enjoyed,” she said.
“The residents particularly love the tales from Classic Humorous Stories,” said Raath.
Residents keep busy by knitting or crocheting, reading a good book, doing puzzles, playing a board game or chatting among themselves.
Organised activities include sing-alongs to old classics.
“Louis Armstrong and Frank Sinatra are very popular,” said Raath.
Residents are invited to come to the large, sunny occupational therapy room and lounge for story-time and activities such as word searches, spot the differences, brainteasers and crossword puzzles. Often, Raath will be at hand to read a short story or tell a few jokes.
“Camaraderie and laughter characterise these gatherings,” said Thembalami manager Esme van der Walt. “A game of Rummikub is always on the go too.”