They may be suffering from Alzheimer’s and other dementias, but they have not forgotten how to enjoy themselves.
The residents from Prim Villa, situated in Cydonia Road, Primrose Hill, graciously shared some of their time with the GCN, on Wednesday.
The GCN team visited the home as part of the Germiston City News community project, called “City News Caring for the Community”.
We spent two hours at the home getting to know the residents and staff.
Manager of the home Sharon Flint and the newly appointed CEO of the Methodist Homes, Kelvin Glen, took us on a tour of the facility, explaining the different sections and how care is given to each resident with dignity and dedication.
From a sensory room and garden, to beautifully equipped homes and a frail care unit, Prim Villa offers the best in care.
It was then time for the team to interact with some of the residents.
We had a wonderful afternoon, singing, dancing, throwing balls, making music and chatting to the residents.
It is important for the residents to keep active and be stimulated as this does not only lengthen the duration of their lives but keeps their minds active and hopefully gives them happiness.
It is the job of the nursing staff and occupational therapists to come up with a variety of activities for the residents.
From making Easter baskets and baking, to swimming and sewing (and work with tools for the men), the residents are kept busy and have a set routine which aids in their treatment.
The home also works closely with the families and offers them support and counselling as it is extremely difficult to come to terms with a loved one’s dementia.
Glen said that it is gratifying to see that community members, neighbours and the church value what they are doing at Prim Villa and that it is not easy to get people to understand the complexity of the problem of Alzheimer’s and dementia.
For us, the visit offered insight into something which we do not have any personal experience with and we walked away with a sense of hope for those suffering from dementia, as there are places which are dedicated to their care.
We all felt humbled by the simple things which brought the residents joy and this made us realise how lucky we are to have our mental health.
Verona and care worker Lindiwe Mtshali strut their stuff on the dance floor.
Adellé Boshoff (GCN property sales consultant, left) boogies on the dance floor with Phyllis.
Prim Villa residents Martha (left), Mieta and Judy enjoy some tea.
Batandwa Mazule, Adellé Boshoff (GCN property sales consultant) and Zandi Dladla have some fun together. Mzaule and Dladla work for Prim Villa’s outsource company Feedem.
Prim Villa care worker Mary Mogapi shows off the sensory room.
Puleng Sekabate (GCN sports journalist, right) has a great time dancing with Dolly.
CEO of the Methodist Homes Kelvin Glen, under which Prim Villa falls, chats to one of the residents, Dolly.
Volunteer care worker Inga Luaaca chats to Cynthia.
Prim Villa care worker Blantina Maboyane (left) helps Kestel drink his cup of tea.
