IF YOU MISSED THE RAND AID ASSOCIATION OPEN DAY, YOU’RE NOT TOO LATE! YOU CAN ARRANGE TO VISIT ANY OF THE VILLAGES OR CARE CENTRES AT YOUR CONVENIENCE.
People nearing retirement or seeking care for a loved one could see firsthand what Rand Aid Association offers at its open day on October 17.
Visitors toured the retirement villages and care centres, spoke to staff and saw the level of care provided, while also getting a feel for the strong sense of community across Rand Aid’s properties.
“Our open day gave people the opportunity to see that retirement living does not have to mean giving up your independence,” says Rand Aid CEO Gert Coetzee. “For people looking for a lock-and-go lifestyle, our villages offer security, support and a community of active people, while taking away much of the maintenance and responsibility that comes with owning a home.”
For families considering care for an older loved one, the open day also offered an opportunity to meet the people behind Rand Aid’s relational-care approach and learn more about the emotional and practical aspects of moving into residential care.
“Our care centres are about much more than providing accommodation and care,” says Gert. “We understand that moving a loved one into care can be an emotional decision for the whole family. Our teams are there to answer questions, explain the options and help families understand what life in one of our care centres can look like.”
A century of caring
Founded in 1903, Rand Aid initially supported vulnerable people in Johannesburg. Over the past century, its services have evolved to meet the changing needs of older people and the wider community.
Rand Aid opened its first home for frail older women in 1918, followed by Cransley House for women pensioners in 1924 and Jordan House in 1927. Further expansion saw Bramley House and cottages established in 1960 and Helen House for frail care in 1961.
The organisation later developed Tarentaal, Elphin Lodge, Thornhill Manor, and Inyoni Creek retirement villages, as well as the Ron Smith and Thembalami care centres.
The Rand Aid Welfare Development Trust was established in 1997 to strengthen funding for Rand Aid initiatives.
Support as needs change
One of Rand Aid’s strengths is its ability to provide different levels of support as people’s needs change.
Independent-living residents benefit from extensive security infrastructure, including 62 security guards, specialised technicians, electrified perimeter fencing and continuous control-room camera surveillance.
Residents can also access a 24-hour care phone service via panic buttons, SMS or direct phone calls for urgent medical assistance and maintenance support. Supportive living home-based care and on-site psychosocial support services further help residents remain independent for as long as possible.
When residents need more support, Rand Aid’s care centres provide services tailored to individual needs. These include memory care, ongoing physical care, respite care for families and day-care services.
Thembalami Care Centre deputy manager Elize Raath says one open day visitor, an 82-year-old professional nurse, arrived with her son and explored the care centre from top to bottom, including the gardens.
“She was so impressed that she told her son Thembalami was where she wanted to come should she need care,” says Elize. “It was wonderful to see someone who was still working and independent recognising that Thembalami could be the right place for her when her needs changed.”
Visitors were particularly impressed by the sensory stimulation and occupational therapy room, where staff demonstrated how the facility supports residents’ well-being and engagement.
At Thornhill Manor, village manager Shaun Victor says feedback from the village committee members who assisted with the open day was overwhelmingly positive.
“Visitors were very impressed with Thornhill,” says Shaun. “They commented on the grounds and gardens, but also on the general feel of the village and the sense of community.”
More than retirement and care
Rand Aid’s services extend beyond retirement living and residential care. The organisation also operates Wedge Gardens Treatment Centre, which provides specialised support for men with substance use disorders through private and government-subsidised programmes.
The treatment centre offers safe, 24-hour monitored detoxification, inpatient treatment and halfway-house services, with full board and lodging. A multidisciplinary team supports its holistic approach, including a clinical psychologist, social workers, medical and nursing practitioners and a spiritual therapist.
If you couldn’t attend the open day but would like to learn more, Rand Aid can arrange individual tours of its retirement villages and care facilities.
Call Erica at 011 882 2510 or 010 100 3656.
