Getting to know Thandi Dube
"I see my position here not as just another job but also as my life's calling."
Thandi Dube is the new manager at the Springs Retirement Village and hopes to use her personal experience in compassionately dealing with the elderly.
When did you start working here?
I started in April this year so it’s been a month.
What have been some of the challenges working at the village?
It’s always challenging working with the elderly.
You must always remind yourself to be passionate and patient when dealing with them. Elderly people also have different personalities, which is always something you have to keep in mind.
What were you doing before you came here?
I was in broadcasting, which is a completely different field.
Also read: Getting to know Tony da Cruz
Are there certain skills you had to learn before taking on the job?
I was raised by my grandparents so I’ve always had a passion for caring for the elderly.
I had to look after my grandfather when he was suffering from dementia and I learnt a lot from that experience. I see my position not as just another job but also as my life’s calling.
These people are nearing the last years of their lives and I want those years to be as pleasant as possible for them.
How had the lockdown affected the residents?
It had a massive impact on the elderly. They couldn’t go out to see their children and other family members, and some of them became very depressed.
But lately, we arranged for small gatherings like our monthly braai, which has brought them a lot of relief.
Were you surprised by anything when you first started here?
I was surprised at how welcoming everyone was. They immediately made me feel welcome.
They had nothing negative to say about me, which made me settle in nicely. I’ve made so many friends here, which was something I wasn’t expecting at all.
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