Three groups of visitors made Thembalami and the Max Ordman Deaf Association (MODA) care centres’ residents feel cherished this Mandela Day.
Staff members from Clicks Genesis on Fairmount, mining company Normet Africa, and BevCo spent time with the residents and donated much-needed items and well-received treats.
First to arrive were six representatives from Clicks, who spent a happy 67 minutes interacting with residents and staff.
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A box of spectacles and a blood pressure machine were donated by the visitors.
The six-man Normet Africa team was next through the door.
They brought with them four wall clocks large enough to be seen by residents with vision challenges.
These were hung in the activity room, dining hall, dementia unit and reception.
“The clocks were on our wish list because knowing the time is vital to our residents. It helps them be punctual for appointments, teatime and meals,” said centre manager Esme van der Walt.
“Staff members added fun to the occasion by dressing in vintage clothing to honour the residents’ younger years,” she added.
Occupational therapist Tsakani Shihlomule, who wore a DJ hat on the day, got the residents and visitors up and dancing before tea was prepared and served by the Normet delegation.
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Just before lunch, a party of 15 representatives from BevCo arrived bearing bottles of water and popular cold drinks, along with chocolates, sweets, packets of colouring-in pencils for the occupational therapy department, and much-needed clothing items.
After lunch, the occupational therapy department asked the BevCo visitors to participate in games in the MODA activity room.
“There was so much laughter from the employees and the MODA residents that the visitors did not want to leave.
The residents were thoroughly spoilt. They loved the dancing and the way the staff dressed up,” said Esme.
