A nurse with 40 years’ experience, Noeleen Wilson brings a lifetime of knowledge to her role as Inyoni Creek’s new village sister.
The Edenvale resident, who started her new position at the beginning of May, has a simple golden rule for well-being: “Try to laugh at something every day.”
She encourages older adults to stay as active as possible, continue learning new things and keep their brains engaged.
Noeleen has experience in both the public and private healthcare sectors, having trained at a government hospital and worked in private hospitals, doctors’ consulting rooms, pharmacy clinics and other retirement villages.
She says her strengths include patience and cultural sensitivity, and that she understands the effects ageing has on the body – something she believes helps her foster empathy and understanding in her interactions with residents.
“The village is peaceful and the residents and staff are friendly and helpful,” she says of her time so far at Inyoni Creek.
Married for 34 years, Noeleen enjoys needlework, knitting, crocheting, cooking and baking.
She has a married son and says the family enjoys games evenings and attending live performances together.
“My life philosophy is to maintain a balance between work and relaxation, to find pleasure in everything you do and to remember to laugh at yourself.”
Noeleen took over from Jana Bezuidenhout, who heads up Rand Aid’s Supportive Services division, which offers home-based care to residents.
