In the not-so-distant past, old age was often associated with frailty, dependence, anda decline in quality of life.
“Care centres – or nursing homes or old age homes, as they were called – for elders unable to live independently often resembled hospitals. However, a significant shift in perceptions has taken place,” says Rand Aid Association general manager Ayanda Matthews. “Society now recognises that ageing is a natural part of life and that older individuals can continue to live meaningful, active, and fulfilling lives.”
Rand Aid Association, which runs four retirement villages and two care centres, is at the forefront of this transformative approach to ageing and care in South Africa. By adopting the Eden Alternative philosophy over a decade ago, the organisation is challenging traditional institutional models that often isolate and depersonalise older residents, explains Amanda Diener, acting general manager for life right villages at Rand Aid.
Eden Alternative is a non-profit organisation founded in America with a global mission to improve the well-being of elders and their care partners.
In late 2016, after a four-year process of physical, cultural, organisational and personal transformation, Rand Aid’s Ron Smith Care Centre became the first registered Eden home in Africa to reach milestone two.
In the years that have followed, Rand Aid has demonstrated a long-term commitment to the Eden Alternative principles. “Despite challenges such as the Covid-19 pandemic, Rand Aid has made significant progress in integrating the Eden Alternative into the organisation, which is evident in our continued dedication to culture change,” says Amanda.
“Eden Alternative is aligned with Rand Aid’s focus on creating a home-like environment that fosters meaningful relationships, personal choice, and a sense of belonging. Instead of treating residents in care centres as patients requiring care, the emphasis is on supporting their individual needs and aspirations.“
All of Rand Aid’s staff members and interested residents will in future have the opportunity to participate in multiple ways to grow. They will be empowered with the knowledge necessary to improve the quality of life for residents and care partners by implementing relationship-centred support practices with a primary focus on well-being.”
Driving transformation in elderly care
To help the organisation drive transformation, a core leadership team comprising staff members from all Rand Aid establishments will be established. This will help ensure that everyone is growing toward the same goals, even if some are only entering this journey now.
Another tool to be adopted is listening circles. Already used by some Rand Aid care centres and villages, listening circles encourage staff and residents to contribute their thoughts and ideas to make the transformation more inclusive.
Shaun Victor, the manager of Rand Aid’s Thornhill Manor Retirement Village, says that the most recent workshop presented by Eden Alternative South Africa reaffirmed the practices they have been implementing. “It was a valuable reminder of the need to strengthen connections within our community and move beyond simply meeting basic needs, focusing instead on truly enhancing the quality of life for residents.
”On July 18, Eden Alternative South Africa said on its Facebook page: “We did our very first Eden Associate training 12 years ago… at Rand Aid Association’s Ron Smith Care Centre. It is an honour to celebrate the continuation of the relationship and its impact on all the care partners and residents. Here’s to the next 12 years!”
Amanda explains that the Eden Alternative culture change journey encompasses physical, organisational, and personal transformation, structured into 12 tracks and 21 practices, integrating best practices in relationship-directed support into daily work.
12 tracks:
- Leadership
- Person-first language
- Education
- Employee practices
- Clinical services
- Data, quality assurance, and performance improvement
- Communication
- Loneliness, helplessness, and boredom
- Rhythms of daily life
- Institutional trappings
- Food and dining
- Community“
By recognising that older individuals are not defined solely by their age or health status, Rand Aid is paving the way for a more compassionate and inclusive society,”added Ayanda.