Every morning when we wake up at Resthill Memory Care, we have to face challenges such as rainy weather, staff absences and, of course, load shedding.
Although every day has its own challenges, we try our best to have a routine with our Residents. Early morning tea and coffee is the first thing we do as keeping our Residents hydrated is extremely important. Tea, coffee and water are available all day long.
Some of our Residents have their showers and baths before breakfast but some of them prefer to sleep in and have breakfast first before they tackle the day. One or two of the Residents assist the Chef in the preparation of food but they do that voluntarily, only if, and when they wish to do so.
After breakfast, our Residents are involved in different activities. They do some reach and stretch exercises, sing-along, handcrafts and reading (mostly just paging through magazines). After morning tea our Residents from both houses walk around the premises. Fortunately, the walk areas are huge and should they tire, there are benches under the trees to sit down and rest. We encourage all our Residents to take part in the walks as this is an excellent exercise for them all and a great chance to get outdoors.
In summer we insist on hats and sunblock before these walks. Sometimes they sit under the trees and sing together. Our care staff is great at singing themselves and normally start the singing and the Residents will join spontaneously. One or two of the male Residents will join the groundskeepers in taking out weeds in the vegetable garden, collecting fruit from the trees and pulling carrots or beets. Others will take some carrots or apples and feed the donkeys and the potbelly piggies basking in the sun. However, they have learned quickly to duck and dive the geese as these guys will hiss at you and pretend to give chase. During these outside walks, our staff has their hands full. As you know, people with Dementia tend to walk off and you cannot tell them not to, as they forget. All staff is on high alert during these walks, even the laundry girls and the groundskeepers, all keep a lookout for that one person that might decide to go their own way.
Lunchtime is very social as everyone is around the table which is set by some of the Residents with staff assistance. They enjoy their food and the company of their fellow Residents. After lunch some of the Residents will take an afternoon nap while others will engage in different activities, playing games, weaving, colouring or reading. Afternoon coffee and biscuits are normally a hit and get everyone on the go again. A late afternoon walk invigorates the old bones and transports a lot of fresh air to the bloodstream to prepare the Residents for a good night’s sleep. A light evening meal around the dining room tables and watching some television, should they wish, close of the day. Coffee, tea and sandwiches are available for those burning the midnight oil. Some of our Residents prefer to have their baths or showers in the evening and the night staff stands by to assist.
This describes a very normal day at Resthill, but most of the time, things are not that normal. We have birthday celebrations and picnics under the trees. We have fun and laughter as Oupa Mike takes Sister’s car keys and threatens to go to Pretoria. We search for house keys and locks as one of the Oupas hid them in his pants pockets. We enjoy the haircuts and the doggies’ grooming with the Residents. Some days we play beauty salon with the ladies and have everyone’s nails filed and painted. We guide and softly redirect the attention as one of our Residents comes to the office for the 5th time to ask for apples to feed the donkeys and we admire and listen as they sing their songs under the trees. Some days have more challenges than others, but our employees are trained for this and nothing seems to be too much for them. Resthill is a place filled with peace and lots of love. You are welcome to visit us and we will show you the facilities and let you experience the special ambiance of this place.
Aletta Steenkamp