The Ron Smith Care Centre (RSCC) echoed with music and laughter as the community came together at the end of April to bid farewell to Debbie Christen, who retired from her position as facilitator: recreational and training services.
Debbie’s arrival at her farewell celebration captured her infectious spirit and dedication to fostering joy: She danced her way from her office to the recreation centre. This delightful procession was made even more special as she was accompanied by the many staff members she had enthusiastically taught various dances to over the years.
Debbie deeply understands the connection between music, movement and well-being. She consistently used dance as a tool for team building and to bring moments of pure happiness to the residents through staff performances. This final dance together served as a fitting tribute from her colleagues.
The room buzzed with the warmth of residents, staff and dedicated volunteers, all of whom have been touched by Debbie’s kindness and will keenly feel her absence.
Simoné Botha, manager: occupational therapy and recreation at RSCC, expressed her appreciation for Debbie’s unwavering commitment and the way she embodied the principles of the Eden Alternative throughout her tenure. She said Debbie had inspired the recreation team and acknowledged her strength as a teacher and mentor.
Sr Leanie Bessinger thanked Debbie for her tireless efforts and dedication in ensuring that RSCC achieved the significant milestone of becoming the first Eden-registered home in South Africa, a testament to Debbie’s commitment to resident-centred care.
Adding a touch of humour, Debbie Beech, the manager of Elphin Lodge retirement village, aptly described her colleague by noting that ‘dynamite comes in small packages’.
Several residents, including Irvine Sinnet, Charles Power, and Maureen Wollenschlaeger, shared personal words of thanks, each expressing how deeply they would miss Debbie.
The celebration continued with more dancing. This time, staff members took to the floor to dance with Debbie to the upbeat tune of One Way Ticket, a dance she had taught them the previous year.
In her own words, Debbie shared the profound impact her time at RSCC had on her, emphasising the ‘joy and privilege’ of working with the residents, staff, volunteers and families.
“As the manager: recreational programmes and later, facilitator: recreational services and training, I am proud to have been part of the quest to learn about and practice the Eden Alternative philosophy and to experience all the positive changes and growth that have taken place since embarking on the journey.
“The Eden Alternative is an approach to care that supports the whole person and upholds the importance of creating environments which foster well-being for all who live and work there. I have kept this philosophy central to my work and personal life.”
She said one of her greatest pleasures during her time at RSCC was getting to know the residents and staff through their life stories.
After reflecting on her 10 years with Rand Aid, Debbie says these are some of the life lessons she has learnt from all those around her:
- Greeting everyone with a smile and calling them by name is life-affirming.
- All levels of staff deserve our utmost respect and admiration for their work. What a treasure we have in our staff – from maintenance, security, kitchen and housekeeping staff to nursing and administration staff.
- The kindness, care and compassion that is given and shown to the residents and staff is a beautiful thing to witness and experience. It is deeply ingrained in our culture and work ethic.
- Treasure our elders for their wisdom and experience. Older people are the custodians of history, heritage, customs and collective wisdom of any family or community.
- You can learn something from everyone. I have always been amazed at the life lessons one can learn just by stopping to have a chat with the person who is right in front of you.
- Every person can add value and beauty to the lives of others by using their God-given gifts, talents and resources. Use what you have to make something beautiful.
- Our elders are in a season where they are starting the final chapters of their lives. We need to encourage them to grasp the opportunities that still lie ahead.
Debbe Christen with resident Josephine Kew and Yvonne Butts (left) and Sheryl Emmet (right).
