“Come join your loved ones at our casual family day gatherings,” is the invitation from Esme van der Walt, the manager of Thembalami Care Centre and the Max Ordman Deaf Association.
Family days are held regularly and provide a social atmosphere for friends and family of residents to spend quality time with them. A light meal and cool drinks, tea, coffee and cake are on sale. The gatherings are either held in the dining room or outside in the lapa, depending on the weather.
The April family day was held on the 12th. Curry and rice was on the menu, with ice cream and cake for those with a sweet tooth.
Music by Ian Nel and Berenice Crause, who play the guitar and piano respectively, created a soothing backdrop to the chatter of people catching up with each other. The duo regularly play for older people and people living with a disability, saying that the pleasure their gift brings to people is all the reward they need.
“It was heartwarming to see families coming together. My wish is to grow the event and have more people visiting our residents on family days,” says Esme.
She says the staff deserve a special thanks for the work they put into creating an inviting atmosphere for the visitors and their loved ones.
Ian and Berenice offer their services free of charge for the elderly, frail and disabled. They play background music for lunches, dinners or special occasions, with their repertoire including popular songs, hymns and folk music of yesteryear. Please contact Ian on 079 011 0837 for bookings.
MODA resident Cecilia Röttcher (centre) with her sister, Susan de Beer, and Micah van Rooyen.
Coenraad Steenkamer with Donna Burgess and Donna’s mom Delyse Burgess.
Entertainers who care… Ian Nel and Berenice Crause.
Resident Jo-Ann Weyerman-Noble with daughter and grandson, Louise and James Weyerman-Noble.
Merle Townsend (resident), Shirley Sibeko (OT assistant), Louise Weyerman-Noble (family member), Surprise Mathole (social auxiliary student), Asiene Makhado (finance clerk) and Jane Mogwale (housemother).
