New friendships were forged recently when residents and staff of two Rand Aid facilities – a retirement village and a care centre – came together to enjoy fun outdoor and indoor activities.
The occupational therapy morning held by Thornhill Manor retirement village’s Happy Chatters Walkers group on 25 July, was initiated by discussions between Thembalami’s management and Thornhill Manor.
Started three years ago by occupational therapist and Thornhill resident Vicky Keenan – and now joined by social worker Karen Griessel – Happy Chatters sees residents enjoying a weekly walk and treats, followed by various creative and fun occupational therapy activities.
The group and its activities further entrench one of the Eden Alternative philosophies, which is to stimulate residents’ growth and well-being and ensure a life full of purpose, connection, empowerment and possibility, regardless of age or changing abilities.
Residents from Rand Aid’s Thembalami Care Centre, accompanied by their occupational therapist Tskani Shihlomule, her team and first-year occupational therapy students, were thrilled to be asked to join in on the group’s fun.
“Thembalami’s residents really enjoyed the outing and everyone met some new people. We will continue with the collaboration, building the relationship between Thornhill and Thembalami’s occupational therapy groups under Vicky’s guiding hand,” says Karen.
The collaboration will build up to Thornhill Manor’s Alzheimer’s fun walk on 22 September, which Thembalami will join. “We aim to increase awareness around International Alzheimer’s Day, which takes place on 21 September,” says Karen.
