With hopes of becoming one of the first accredited Eden Alternative facilities, Ron Smith Care Centre sent staff members on training sessions.
The training sessions offered by Eden Alternative South Africa, are part of a world-wide culture of change movement that seeks to ensure that person-centred care replaces institutional and medical models of care of the elderly.
It addresses the loneliness, helplessness and boredom that cause the bulk of suffering among older persons.
The centre’s complex head, Helen Petrie said, “We hope to qualify for Eden Associate status during the course of this year.”
Sister Loraine Martiny, who also attended the training has been with the organisation for 20 years and has seen radical changes in the care of elderly people during her years of service. “What excites me about the changes we have been making at Ron Smith Care Centre as we have embraced the Eden Alternative philosophy, is the wonderful response by residents and their families,” she said.
Occupational therapist Stephan Fourie said, “We need to be more creative when we care for the elderly. Small things can make their lives more worthwhile.”
“The latest Eden Alternative training targeted managers and senior staff members who can be a driving force for change, people who can help create a place where we can easily see ourselves happily accommodated in our own golden years,” added Petrie.
Details: Ron Smith Care Centre 011 882 6296
