At 93 years old, Sylvia Kalish has lived long enough to know when help makes life easier. For the first time in her nearly 14 years at Tarentaal Village, she now has daily support built into her routine – and she says it has changed her life for the better.
Sylvia is the first Rand Aid resident to make use of the organisation’s newly launched Supportive Services division, which provides structured home-based care for residents living independently in its villages.
Every morning, carers Violet Kolobe or Phumzile Khumalo spend three hours assisting her with daily tasks. For Sylvia, it is not just practical help; it is also reassurance.
“I do not have to struggle anymore to do things,” she says. “I just ask for help as things get more challenging as I age. It has been a very comforting experience, knowing that the help I need is available to me.”
Before Supportive Services, Sylvia relied on informal help from a private assistant, who assisted her when possible. That arrangement eventually came to an end when the assistant became ill and could no longer continue.
She says adjusting to the new system was not immediate, but it became easier with time.
“We all had to get used to one another, but I have adjusted well,” she says. “Because both carers have such a caring nature, they made me feel comfortable and not afraid to ask for help.”
Sylvia said she still feels independent.
“They are not preventing me from doing things that I like to do, but they are there if I struggle,” she says. “It has made it easier in every aspect of my life.”
Ageing in an appropriate place
The Supportive Services division was launched following a Rand Aid board decision earlier this year and is part of the organisation’s broader approach to supporting ageing in an appropriate place. The aim is to allow residents to remain in their own homes for longer, while ensuring care is properly managed, supervised and aligned with individual needs.
Sister Jana Bezuidenhout, who heads the new division, says Sylvia’s experience reflects what the model was designed to achieve.
“When I first met Ms Kalish, she was very nervous about the process,” says Sr Jana. “Even when your mind knows you need support, the heart still struggles with change. After the carers started, the difference was clear. She became more relaxed and comfortable.”
She says this shift is at the heart of what Supportive Services aims to achieve. “That before-and-after experience reflects exactly what this service is designed to provide – dignity, comfort and safe support within the resident’s own home,” she says.
Sr Jana adds that the model brings structure and oversight to care that may previously have been arranged privately.
“This approach gives residents and families a clear point of contact and ensures that care is properly supervised. It helps prevent misunderstandings and ensures residents are supported safely and consistently.”
Life-changing experience
For Sylvia, the system is simple in practice but meaningful in impact.
“I would say to other residents, do not hesitate,” she says. “It makes things more comfortable for you.”
Looking ahead, Sr Jana said Sylvia’s experience offers encouragement for what is still to come.
For now, Sylvia continues her mornings at Tarentaal Village with familiar surroundings, as she puts it, just the right amount of help when she needs it most.
If a Rand Aid resident is no longer able to live independently, even with a carer, they can choose to relocate to Ron Smith Care Centre or Thembalami Care Centre.
To find out more about Supportive Services, email Sr Jana at jbezuidenhout@randaid.co.za or call 011 882 2510.
