A helping hand from Rand Aid staff
Practical assistance is given to all retirement village residents too, as per Avril, with shopping organised on their behalf.
Looking good is linked to feeling good and with beauty salons closed, Rand Aid staff have stepped in to lend a hand in more ways than one.
“Our nursing staff and porters have turned their hands to hairdressing, manicures and pedicures,” said Avril Maltman, Rand Aid’s senior nursing manager.
Practical assistance is given to all retirement village residents too, as per Avril, with shopping organised on their behalf.
“When requested, meals from the central kitchen are delivered to their homes. Where necessary, residents are assisted with laundry services and additional housekeeping support is provided to frail residents who still live independently in the villages.”
Sue Prior, Rand Aid’s community care coordinator, included maintaining a routine and being involved in meaningful activity is important in managing the isolation, and depression could result from the lockdown.
According to Sue, a number of projects are in place to engage residents.
She revealed a Rand Aid-wide mask-making initiative has been hugely successful.
Over 850 masks have been completed and distributed among approximately 450 staff members.
“The masks look very professional and some people are making fun masks that are becoming real talking points,” said Sue.
Another initiative, developed by occupational therapist Corlia Schutte, is the Survival Kit, a pack of activities and exercises to help residents keep boredom at bay and to encourage them to keep fit.
“The third kit has just been printed and is ready for physical and electronic distribution,” said Corlia.
Hard copies of Inyoni Creek village’s weekly newsletter are delivered to residents, additional crossword puzzles, brain teasers, Sudoku and word search are included, as per Sue.
“With organised physical activity not allowed during lockdown, Elphin Lodge resident Nan Clarke, a South African Seniors Fitness Association instructor, has set up an outdoor exercise circuit for fellow residents to enjoy.”
Sue added the exercise stations are at five communal benches and instruction sheets are given to participating residents.
Rand Aid has also established quarantine facilities, located away from the care centres and village homes, should the need ever arise.
“While all safety protocols are in place, staff who prefer not to use risky public transport are being accommodated on site, and their meals and laundry are being taken care of.”.
Those who choose to stay at home, according Sue, change out of their street clothes when they arrive at work and are provided with a freshly laundered uniform.
“Free flu shots have also been given to all staff members,” said Sue.
Sue reminds everyone Rand Aid’s social workers are available to lend emotional comfort or just to chat to when residents or staff are feeling overwhelmed.
