In the not-so-distant past, old age was often associated with frailty, dependence, and a decline in quality of life.
“Care centres, nursing homes or old age homes, as they were called, for the elderly unable to live independently often resembled hospitals.
“However, a significant shift in perceptions has taken place over time,” said Rand Aid Association’s general manager Ayanda Matthews.
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“Society now recognises that ageing is a natural part of life and that older individuals can continue to live meaningful, active, and fulfilling lives.”
Rand Aid Association, which runs four retirement villages and two care centres, is at the forefront of this transformative approach to ageing and care in South Africa.
Amanda Diener of Rand Aid explained that by adopting the Eden Alternative philosophy over a decade ago, the organisation challenges traditional institutional models that often isolate and depersonalise older residents.
Eden Alternative is a non-profit organisation founded in America with a global mission to improve the well-being of elders and their care partners.
In late 2016, after a four-year process of physical, cultural, organisational and personal transformation, Ron Smith Care Centre achieved Milestone One on the Eden Alternative Registry.
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It was the first organisation in Gauteng and the second in Africa to achieve Eden Alternative Registry membership.
In the years that have followed, Rand Aid has demonstrated a long-term commitment to the Eden Alternative principles.
“Despite challenges such as Covid-19, Rand Aid has made significant progress in integrating the Eden Alternative into the organisation, which is evident in our continued dedication to culture change,” said Amanda.
In 2020, Ron Smith Care Centre became the first organisation in Africa to achieve Milestone 2.
Eden Alternative is aligned with Rand Aid’s focus on creating a home-like environment that fosters meaningful relationships, personal choice, and a sense of belonging. Instead of treating residents in care centres as patients requiring care, the emphasis is on supporting their individual needs and aspirations.
“All of Rand Aid’s staff members and interested residents will in future have the opportunity to participate in multiple ways to grow.
“They will be empowered with the knowledge necessary to improve the quality of life for residents and care partners by implementing relationship-centred support practices with a primary focus on well-being.”
Driving transformation in elderly care
To help the organisation drive transformation, a core leadership team comprising staff members from all Rand Aid facilities will be established.
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This will help ensure that all staff members grow towards the same goals, even if some are only entering this journey now.
Another tool to be adopted is listening circles.
Already used by some Rand Aid care centres and villages, listening circles encourage staff and residents to contribute their thoughts and ideas to make the transformation more inclusive.
Shaun Victor, the manager of Thornhill Manor Retirement Village, said that the most recent workshop presented by Eden Alternative South Africa reaffirmed the practices they have been implementing.
“It was a valuable reminder of the need to strengthen connections within our community and move beyond simply meeting basic needs, focusing instead on truly enhancing the quality of life for residents,” he said.
