In the not-so-distant past, old age was often associated with frailty, dependence, and a decline in quality of life.
“Care centres – or nursing homes or old age homes, as they were called – for elders unable to live independently often resembled hospitals. However, a significant shift in perceptions has taken place,” says Rand Aid Association general manager Ayanda Matthews. “Society now recognises that ageing is a natural part of life and that older individuals can continue to live meaningful, active, and fulfilling lives.”
Rand Aid Association, which runs four retirement villages and two care centres, is at the forefront of this transformative approach to ageing and care in South Africa. By adopting the Eden Alternative philosophy over a decade ago, the organisation is challenging traditional institutional models that often isolate and depersonalise older residents, explains Amanda Diener of Rand Aid.
Eden Alternative is a non-profit organisation founded in America with a global mission to improve the well-being of elders and their care partners. In late 2016, after a four-year process of physical, cultural, organisational and personal transformation, Ron Smith Care Centre achieved Milestone One on the Eden Alternative Registry, becoming the first organisation in Gauteng – and the second in Africa – to achieve Eden Alternative Registry membership.
In the years that have followed, Rand Aid has demonstrated a long-term commitment to the Eden Alternative principles. “Despite challenges such as Covid-19, Rand Aid has made significant progress in integrating the Eden Alternative into the organisation, which is evident in our continued dedication to culture change,” says Amanda. In 2020, Ron Smith Care Centre became the first organisation in Africa to achieve Milestone 2.
Eden Alternative is aligned with Rand Aid’s focus on creating a home-like environment that fosters meaningful relationships, personal choice, and a sense of belonging. Instead of treating residents in care centres as patients requiring care, the emphasis is on supporting their individual needs and aspirations.
“All of Rand Aid’s staff members and interested residents will in future have the opportunity to participate in multiple ways to grow. They will be empowered with the knowledge necessary to improve the quality of life for residents and care partners by implementing relationship-centred support practices with a primary focus on well-being.”
Driving transformation in elderly care
To help the organisation drive transformation, a core leadership team comprising staff members from all Rand Aid establishments will be established. This will help ensure that all staff members are growing towards the same goals, even if some are only entering this journey now.
Another tool to be adopted is listening circles. Already used by some Rand Aid care centres and villages, listening circles encourage staff and residents to contribute their thoughts and ideas to make the transformation more inclusive.
Shaun Victor, the manager of Thornhill Manor Retirement Village, says that the most recent workshop presented by Eden Alternative South Africa reaffirmed the practices they have been implementing. “It was a valuable reminder of the need to strengthen connections within our community and move beyond simply meeting basic needs, focusing instead on truly enhancing the quality of life for residents.”
The Eden Alternative culture change journey encompasses physical, organisational, and personal transformation, structured into 12 tracks and 21 practices, integrating best practices in relationship-directed support into daily work.
12 tracks
1. Leadership
2. Person-first language
3. Education
4. Employee practices
5. Clinical services
6. Data, quality assurance, and performance improvement
7. Communication
8. Loneliness, helplessness, and boredom
9. Rhythms of daily life
10. Institutional trappings
11. Food and dining
12. Community
“By recognising that older individuals are not defined solely by their age or health status, Rand Aid is paving the way for a more compassionate and inclusive society,” added Ayanda.
A Rand Aid listening circle.
