Therapist joins retirement home
Renowned occupational therapist, Sylvia Birkhead has joined forces with Ron Smith Care Centre.
Birkhead, who holds a masters degree in occupational therapy won the prestigious Albie Sachs Award for making a significant difference in the lives of the disabled. She has also been crowned the occupational therapist of the year several times by the Occupational Therapy Association of South Africa.
Rand Aid Association’s Cathy Grosvenor said Birkhead was an expert on the person-centred care philosophy, and had considerable experience in caring for persons living with dementia, with a special interest in sensory-based care. She said, “Birkhead has been involved as a support group facilitator and trainer with the Alzheimer’s Association of South Africa for over 25 years and is also a director of Eden Alternative SA.”
Grosvenor added that although Birkhead was not a Rand Aid employee, the retirement home was thrilled that she was contracted to the organisation and was thus able to share her vast experience and enthusiasm for occupational therapy with the home for a number of hours each week.
Birkhead will work with newly qualified occupational therapist, Bianca Richards who also recently joined the retirement home.
Grosvenor said the centre had expanded its occupational therapy department to include a daycare service to give people who care for a frail person at home the chance to have some time out, while knowing that their loved one was being professionally taken care of.
“A brand-new department, consisting of a number of invitingly furnished rooms, has been specially constructed to support the expansion programme and daycare visitors [can] join in on therapy activities, and enjoy midday meals and tea breaks with residents of the care centre,” said Grosvenor.
Grosvenor said with the expanding programme of activities and facilities offered at the centre, there were more opportunities available for people wanting to volunteer their time or skills. She said, “If you are interested in joining the volunteer group or hearing how you could get involved, please contact us.”
Details: Phyllis 011 882 6296 or www.randaid.co.za/ron_smith.html
