Elphin Lodge retirement village has welcomed a new social worker, Thuli Ngoma, whose passion for people and advocacy for older adults has guided her career from the beginning.
Thuli joined Elphin Lodge following Nadine Radford’s move to Ron Smith Care Centre. She previously served both Elphin Lodge and the care centre. Both facilities are run by Rand Aid and share a property, enabling continuity of care and collaboration.
For Thuli, social work has always been about human connection and giving people a voice – especially those who are too often overlooked.
“Growing up, I always wanted to work with people and reach out to them, to make a difference one person at a time,” she says. “They have lived remarkable lives and shaped communities, yet their voices are often muted. As a social worker, it became my passion to reach out to them and advocate for their rights as senior citizens – their voices matter.”
Thuli brings seven years of experience as a social worker at a step-down facility, where she focused on discharge planning and home-based care for people living with disabilities, including elderly patients. It was there that she began to question what happened once patients returned home.
“My journey would often end when patients left rehabilitation, but I kept asking myself how they were coping back at home and whether their care plans were still working,” she explains. “Coming to Elphin Lodge is where those questions were answered. Even when care plans are in place, ongoing support is still needed – and I am here to help with that.”
At Elphin Lodge, Thuli says the warmth of the residents has already made a lasting impression. “They are always appreciative and friendly. They greet you with a smile, and that goes a long way for me,” she says. “Older persons have a way of brightening your day.”
Building trust with residents who may be experiencing loneliness or health challenges is central to her role. Thuli believes this starts with respect and consistency.
“You build trust by being compassionate and consistent, and by prioritising residents’ dignity and autonomy,” she says.
She notes that older adults today face a range of challenges, from declining health and mobility to financial insecurity, social isolation and difficulties with technology.
“My role is to support residents through their health challenges, refer them to relevant resources, and help simplify things like technology – even assisting with phone issues when they arise,” she says.
Emotional and mental well-being, she added, are especially important in a retirement village setting.
“I aim to combat loneliness through regular check-ins and by offering my time and a listening ear,” Thuli says. “I want residents to feel that they always have someone they can reach out to.”
Outside of work, Thuli lives in Soweto and is a proud mother to her seven-year-old daughter, who started Grade 2 this year. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, journalling and hiking – pursuits that mirror the reflective and grounded approach she brings to her work.
With her strong sense of purpose and genuine care for older adults, Thuli is a welcome addition to the Elphin Lodge community.
