Bingo buddies bonded over the age-old number-calling game of chance at Thembalami Care Centre on May 16.
There was great excitement when the Happy Chatters group from nearby Thornhill Manor Retirement Village arrived at Thembalami to spend a fun morning with residents of both Thembalami and Max Ordman Deaf Association, which share a property in Lombardy East. Both the care centres and the retirement village are run by Rand Aid Association.
The Thornhill Manor team – including village social worker Karen Griessel and service-oriented resident Vicky Keenan, an occupational therapist by profession – regularly visits the care centre residents, all of who require some form of (nursing) care.
“Our retirement village residents get as much from the interaction as the care centre residents,” says Karen. “We had a wonderful morning playing bingo, shared many laughs, and ate lots of chocolate”.
“Vicky always puts so much passion and care into her games and her love for people is evident. She is ably assisted by her trusted volunteer and Happy Chatters helper, Val Tyrteos, also a resident at Thornhill,” adds Karen.
Karen says the benefits of bingo are improved mental agility, hand-eye co-ordination, short-term memory, concentration, and stress relief.
MODA resident Hansie Griessel and Thornhill Manor’s Vicky Keenan, a retired occupational therapist who dedicates much time to organising stimulating activities for other Rand Aid residents.
Karen Griessel and caregiver Margareth Magodi.
Happy Chatters members and caregivers: Karen Griessel, Vicky Keenan, Val Tyrteos, Wendy Hunt, Joan England, Margot Taverner-Smith, and caregiver Juliet Mukasa. In front is caregiver Margareth Magodi.
