Inyoni Creek’s new social worker, Michelle Matsolo, brings a wealth of experience and passion to this role, with a focus on empowering residents of the retirement village and improving their quality of life.
Michelle’s journey into social work was inspired by a desire to make a positive impact on the world. She has a particular interest in working with older adults, having witnessed the challenges they face in healthcare settings.
“Every individual deserves the opportunity to grow and develop, and I am passionate about fostering an environment where this is possible. Through encouragement and support, I strive to empower others to realise their potential and navigate their paths toward a fulfilling life,” she says.
As a social worker at Inyoni Creek, Michelle will be working to address the unique challenges faced by older adults in retirement villages. This includes loneliness, isolation, loss of purpose, grief, and adapting to a changing world. She aims to create a supportive environment where residents can thrive and feel connected to their community.
“My role is to promote mental health and well-being, promote empowerment to enable older persons to live a life with dignity and to offer a safe space for self-actualisation.”
While working in healthcare, Michelle observed that many physical rehabilitation hospitals and step-down facilities overlooked the potential for older adults to live fulfilling lives. “It became painfully clear that the approach taken toward these individuals was often vastly different to that of younger patients. For instance, I frequently heard comments like, ‘She is 88 years old; she should just get a carer and go home’. Such statements reflected a pervasive mindset that marginalised older adults, reducing their potential for recovery and reintegration into their lives.”
This experience ignited a passion in Michelle to advocate for a more compassionate and holistic approach, one that recognises the capabilities of older adults and actively supports their journey back to a fulfilling life.
Michelle is currently pursuing a master’s degree in social work healthcare at the University of Pretoria.
Michelle Matsolo, Inyoni Creek’s new social worker.
