This World Social Work Day, celebrated today, March 18, Rand Aid pays tribute to its social workers, who play a crucial role in the organisation’s retirement villages, care centres and substance use treatment centre, providing essential psychosocial support.
“They help individuals navigate emotional challenges such as grief, loneliness and major life transitions, offering counselling and crisis intervention when needed,” says Ayanda Matthews, Rand Aid’s GM of Care and Human Resources.
As South Africa experiences a significant outflow of its younger population, a quiet crisis unfolds: The leaving behind of elderly parents. “With their children seeking opportunities abroad, many seniors are left behind, facing loneliness and vulnerability. Into this void step dedicated social workers. They become more than just service providers; they become surrogate family members, offering not only practical assistance but also the essential human connection, says Ayanda.
Amanda Diener, GM of Commercial and Compliance, acknowledges the evolving role of social workers, particularly in frail care settings where families are geographically distant. “In many cases,” Amanda explains, “social workers effectively become the ‘next-of-kin’ for residents, providing essential support when loved ones cannot be present.
“The traditional, often paternalistic approach of treating older individuals as mere ‘cases’ is outdated,” she says.
Rand Aid’s social workers prioritise providing vital psycho-social support to residents in need of their services. Recognising the feelings of isolation and challenges of declining health among some residents, they proactively conduct care visits, ensuring no one is overlooked.
Ayanda adds that social workers also serve as vital liaisons, connecting residents and their families with community resources and advocating for their rights and well-being.
“Beyond individual support, they promote interaction and reduce isolation, fostering a sense of belonging for residents,” she says.
In celebration of the awareness day, Rand Aid social workers were asked to share their insights on their work and the impact it has.
Thornhill Manor
According to Karen Griessel, Thornhill Manor retirement village’s social worker, there are various ways society can better support the well-being of its elderly population.
“We should modify our plans to include the elderly by considering their interests, wants and needs,” says Karen.
“If you see an older person struggling with something, try to reach out and help. Take an interest by asking them questions about their life, especially their past experiences. This can be something as simple as how they feel about technology.
“Show simple respect to an older person, such as opening a door for them. Acknowledge their wisdom and earned status, and listen intently to their insights,” she adds.
It’s also important that parents teach their children the moral fibre of respecting the elderly, says Karen.
Eunice Harris, a Thornhill Manor resident, just before social workers went into a consultation checking in on her well-being today.
Thembalami Care Centre
Elize Raath, the deputy manager at Thembalami Care Centre, is also a social worker, along with the care centre’s Lara Hurwitz.
Elize shared the story of a Thembalami resident who, as a result of a stroke, was wheelchair-bound, incontinent and depressed. He also lacked self-esteem and was dependent on the care centre’s social workers and care staff.
The team began passive exercises and gradually encouraged him to walk short distances, with a carer placing a wheelchair further away to motivate him. He gained confidence, and with help from a physiotherapist, the carers learnt exercises to aid his recovery. The social workers provided emotional support throughout.
With encouragement, he reconciled with his ex-wife and son, and his health improved. He stopped wearing incontinent wear, started walking and moved out of frail care, says Elize.
He visited his ex-wife on weekends and even traveled to Greece with his family, sending photos of his happy holiday. He became a much-loved, witty gentleman, before passing away from prostate cancer at Thembalami.
“It was so rewarding to witness his transformation from a fragile man to a vibrant one, with a renewed purpose,” says Elize.
“We cheered for him as he reached each milestone. For me, it was the wonder of seeing how he transformed into a vibrant man who wanted to live again.”
One of the challenges some Thembalmi residents face is that their families live abroad.
“They feel lonely,” says Elize.
“However, the ability to phone family members via tablets helps significantly. Some residents have set times to speak with their loved ones, and it’s heartwarming to see how these conversations lift their spirits and bring them joy,” she adds.
Elphin Lodge and Ron Smith Care Centre
According to Nadine Radford, a social worker at Elphin Lodge retirement village and Ron Smith Care Centre, elders face significant challenges.
“A major challenge is maintaining a sense of autonomy while navigating the complexities of their living situations. Many elderly individuals strive to retain their independence, yet the reality of frailty can make this difficult,” she says.
“When the time comes for a transition from independent living to frail care, it can be overwhelming for residents and their families. Often, families feel uncertain about when it’s appropriate to make such a move, and the elder may feel reluctant to leave the familiar comfort of their homes,” she adds.
Nadine helps families understand this vital transition, emphasising that supportive services can empower both the individual and their loved ones.
“I aim to be the voice for those who may feel they can’t cope. Sometimes, elderly residents are still capable and wish to remain in their homes; this is where placing the right supportive services becomes crucial. I work diligently to identify and implement these services, ensuring that they align with the individuals’ needs and preferences.
“Moreover, I hold space for families and residents in a non-judgmental manner, giving them the freedom to express their fears and concerns. This compassionate support helps create an environment where they feel heard and respected, enabling more open conversations about their needs and feelings,” says Nadine.
Navigating these challenges is not easy, but with patience, understanding and the right resources in place, elderly loved ones can be assisted to maintain their dignity and joy in this important phase of their lives.
Irene Simon and social worker Nadine Radford.
Inyoni Creek
Inyoni Creek retirement village’s social worker, Michelle Matsolo, says one of the most significant ways that society can enhance the well-being of its elderly population is by fostering independent living environments that prioritise individuals’ unique needs and preferences.
“At Inyoni Creek, we focus on what truly makes life worth living. By emphasising person-directed values, we ensure that care decisions are made in a way that respects and reflects each resident’s wishes, honouring their journey in a compassionate environment,” she says.
One of her highlights at Inyoni Creek is being able to hear residents’ incredible life stories, she says.
“It’s inspiring to witness how they continue to embrace life fully, proving that age doesn’t define one’s ability to enjoy life. Learning from their diverse experiences is a true joy, reminding us of the importance of supporting our elderly population in meaningful ways that recognise their wealth of knowledge and the valuable contribution that they can still make to the world.”
Inyoni Creek residents Shirley Moore and Margaret Tredre with social worker Michelle Matsolo.
Social workers play a vital role in substance use treatment too
Adèl Grobbelaar, the manager of SANCA Wedge Gardens, holds honours degrees in social work and psychology.
She says her social work experience helps her see beyond addiction, enabling her to provide clients with the social support and skills they need to rebuild their lives and rejoin society after rehabilitation.
“Social workers are skilled at helping to identify the root causes of clients’ substance use, such as trauma or socioeconomic factors, allowing for targeted treatment that addresses these underlying issues and minimises the risk of future relapse,” she says.
SANCA Wedge Gardens’ social workers are Senamile Mackaukau, Amanda van Staden, Laetitia Goosen and Philani Khumalo.
