Dr Adriaan Liebenberg and Claire James gave a talk at the Helderberg Society for the Aged in Somerset West as part of ‘Go Turquoise for the Elderly’ campaign. The unanimous voice from the audience was “It is the best talk I ever attended!” It’s wonderful to hear that the talk was well-received and that the attendees found value from our PAIN presenters. Dr Liebenberg and Claire deserve recognition for their efforts in delivering an exceptional talk that resonated with the audience. It’s heartening to know that their expertise and insights made a positive difference in the lives of the elderly.
“Oh, What a beautiful morning!” from Oklahoma rang out in the lounges of Silver Oaks Lodge and our Support Centre units. HSFA Assisted Living and Frail Care residents enjoyed the polished performances Tish and Denise and their uplifting voices! Songs in the line-up included favourites from The Sound of Music, My Fair Lady, Oklahoma! West Side Story, and more! A quote from one of the residents Olive Bowman summed it up; “They were out of this world. I wish I could reach the notes that they get so effortlessly. The songs all take me back many years. Thank you for the whole performance which was unforgettable!” Thank you to Denise Rogers and Tish Morgan as well as Tina Lotz (MC) and Johan Davidson (Audio/tech).
Occupational Therapy is very important work with regard elderly patients to teach them exercise and rehabilitation techniques that make completing daily tasks, such as dressing, eating, and bathing, much easier. Occupational therapists help patients improve their fine and basic motor skills, strength, dexterity, and their range of motion. We welcome our new OT Nellie Botha to the HSFA family, She qualified as an Occupational Therapist in 1997 at Stellenbosch University and gained experience in SA and the UK, in a variety of hospitals, rehab units, a group home, community teams and community centres with adult and elderly patients who had physical and/or mental health problems. She has been working in the Helderberg area in neurology- and physical rehab, elderly and dementia care and as locum OT at a mental health clinic.
Nellie is now assisting the nursing and management team at HSFA to assess residents who might have had a fall or a decline in function to advise on the support they need.
The HSFA arranged training on how to use a hoist (bed lift) to help our OT’s or nurses get residents into their beds.
April is Global Volunteer month reminding us to recognise the volunteers that spread happiness through their unselfish kindness in the world. Thank you to our wonderful HSFA volunteer team that support the HSFA with their efforts in the charity shop, kiosk, gardens, art classes, reading, talk groups and so much more! See below one of our new volunteers Claire Wilson in the HSFA Support Centre being a great listener and companion with her radiating smile whilst soothing and massaging hands and feet of our frail residents. Our residents enjoy the art classes of Rose Malan and Carol Spencer. Do not forget the work done by our dedicated charity shop team who manage the shop every Friday. Helpers are currently needed in the HSFA Charity shop. Should you wish to apply to volunteer at the HSFA please contact Shireen Van Reenen on 021852 5130 or email shireen@hsfa.org.za. #volunteers#volunteersmonth
The 11 April is World Parkinson’s Day. We all enjoyed a visit from Lizl Gruneberg from Dance for Parkinson’s SA who lead us on a ‘trip of memories’ though stories, sounds and movement all choreographed to our music favourites. Movement filled our limbs as her words created of our own memories that flooded our minds. There were moments of laughter and some happy tears as we did visualisation – we were reminded of past holidays / hiking, to baking in our mums’ kitchens from when we were kids. One resident aged 87 remembered and commented “I remember the taste of my mums Orange Cake – yum.” Residents from HSFA’s Frail Care units our Assisted Living units all said how they enjoyed the sessions! Thank you Lizl. #WorldParkinsonsDay#Memories#elderlyactivitieshttps://danceforparkinsons.org.za/
Our HSFA Frail Care residents enjoyed a surprise treat with Helderberg Sunrise Rotary Club members serving delicious scones and eclairs at teatime! They also all received a gift of hand cream. Many residents commented on how lovely it was to have visitors. Left to Right: Nettie Lubbe, Gail Sykes, Lyndi Labuschagne and Casper Labuschagne. Thank you Helderberg Sunrise Rotary Club . #helderberg#helderbergsunrise#helderbergsunriserotary#rotaryclub
