FROM THE DESK OF THE HEALTHCARE MANAGER
On behalf of the interdisciplinary team (IDT) at Faircape Health Noordhoek, we want to thank you for your continued support, trust, and engagement. We remain committed to delivering excellent and compassionate care at all times.
This quarter has been one of change and new beginnings. I am honoured to have joined as the new Healthcare Manager for the South and have enjoyed getting to know this special facility and its remarkable residents. We also welcomed Dr. Victoria Norman, our new Group Healthcare Manager, who brings invaluable experience and compassion to our facility.
Our clinical team of doctors, nurses, pharmacists, occupational therapists, physiotherapists and carers remain central to resident care. Our non-clinical teams, including our catering and housekeeping teams continue to create a safe, welcoming environment for all. In recent months, we have strengthened our services by investing in staff development, attending the World Health Conference,
upgrading our facilities, and welcoming a new in-house physiotherapist. Celebrating Heritage Month reminded us of the richness of our traditions and the pride of being South African, a spirit that inspires our care every day.
Looking Ahead
As we approach the final months of the year and the festive season, we are proud of our team’s dedication and remain committed to providing a safe, supportive, and joyful environment for all who call Faircape Heath Noordhoek home.
Leanne Dixon Healthcare Manager
hcmanagersouth@faircapehealth.co.za
MEET YOUR OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY TEAM AT NOORDHOEK
We are delighted to welcome Veronique Smit as the newest member of the occupational therapy department at Faircape Health Noordhoek. Joining us as an Activity Assistant, Veronique brings a vibrant energy and genuine passion for enriching the lives of others. She enjoys learning new things, is eager to grow in her role, and is excited to embark on this new adventure. We’re thrilled to have her on the team.
At Faircape, our team believes in the importance of doing, whether that is engaging in meaningful activities that enhance well-being, fostering independence, or bringing joy to our residents every day. The Occupational Therapist and Activity Assistant play a crucial role in making this happen by implementing carefully-designed programmes
that support the holistic needs of each resident. These programmes incorporate sensory stimulation, cognitive exercises, physical movement, social interaction, and creative expression, all tailored to promote a sense of purpose and belonging. Through these activities, we aim to create a vibrant and supportive environment where every resident can thrive.
Veronique Smit Activity Assistant
MEET DR MARLOUISE STEENKAMP
We are pleased to welcome Dr Marlouise Steenkam as the new Long-Term and Frail Care Physician at Faircape Life Clé Du Cap, Noordhoek and Tokai Estate. Dr Steenkamp is an experienced General Practitioner and holds a certificate in Advanced Cardiac Life Support, ASCI and ECG.
She is passionate about preventative medicine, has extensive experience in primary care and general practice, and is currently completing her Postgraduate Diploma in Palliative Medicine.
Dr Marlouise Steenkamp Long-Term and Frail Care Physician TokaiDoctor3@faircapemedical.co.za
INFORMATIVE MORNING AT FAIRCAPE HEALTH NOORDHOEK
We recently held an engaging information session at Faircape Health Noordhoek. Over 20 Faircape Life residents joined us to gain valuable insights from our Allied Health professionals across pharmacy, occupational therapy, palliative care, social work, and physiotherapy.
The morning was filled with great conversations and delicious snacks and drinks and ended with a tour of our facilities.
THE POWER OF ARTS AND CRAFTS
Arts and crafts are not just a leisure activity. They offer valuable benefits for physical, cognitive, and emotional well-being, especially in older adults. At Faircape Health Noordhoek, we encourage creative expression as part of our daily programmes, helping residents stay engaged, stimulated, and connected. Creative activities like painting, knitting, and crafting help maintain fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and dexterity, which are important for everyday tasks. They also support cognitive functions such as memory, attention, and visuospatial skills, which can help slow cognitive decline.
Beyond the physical and mental benefits, arts and crafts provide an outlet for self-expression, reducing stress, and promoting a sense of purpose and achievement. Whether it’s creating something new or simply enjoying the process, these activities play a meaningful role in enhancing quality of life for our residents.
A HEARTFELT THANKS TO OUR VOLUNTEERS
At Faircape Health Noordhoek, we are incredibly grateful for the time, energy, and compassion our volunteers bring to our community.
We are fortunate to have a wonderful variety of volunteers who share their unique talents and passions with us. From musical bands that fill our halls with song, to dedicated Scrabble and bridge players who bring friendly competition and connection, each visit makes a huge difference. Our Bible study volunteers and the Priest who offers regular communion services provide spiritual care and comfort, while our pet therapy volunteers bring smiles and companionship through the calming presence of their furry friends. Thank you to all our volunteers for your kindness, your time, and your heartfelt service. You are a valued part of the Noordhoek family, and we deeply appreciate all that you do.
SOAKING UP THE SUN: THE IMPORTANCE OF VITAMIN D
With spring in full bloom and the weather warming up, we’re excited to enjoy more time outdoors at Noordhoek. After the colder months, there’s nothing quite like feeling the sun on your skin and breathing in the fresh air. It’s not just good for the soul, it’s good for the body too.
Sunlight is our most natural source of vitamin D, an essential nutrient that plays an important role in bone health, immune function, and overall well-being. For older adults, getting enough vitamin D is crucial as it helps prevent bone thinning, supports muscle strength, and reduces the risk of falls and fractures.
Spending time outside also boosts mood, reduces stress, and helps regulate sleep patterns which are important factors in healthy ageing. Whether you are taking a walk in the garden, having a morning cup of tea on the patio, or participating in a group activity in the sunshine, these moments are both enjoyable and beneficial for your health.
As the days grow longer and brighter, we look forward to making the most of the beautiful spring weather and encouraging safe, regular outdoor time for everyone. Remember, hats on and sunscreen ready, it’s time to soak up the sunshine and all the wellness it brings.
ALL THINGS NURSING
Our dedicated, and compassionate nurses are the heartbeat of our care and are always ready to go the extra mile. Thank you for the incredible difference you make every day.
NEWS FROM OUR SOCIAL WORKERS
Growing, Learning, and Supporting: The Heart of Social Work at Faircape
Our social work department has been hard at work upskilling, diving into new knowledge and honing their skills in some of the most sensitive and important areas of care.
Here’s a sneak peek at what we’ve been up to:
• All our social workers completed a short course in palliative care presented by the Association of Palliative Care Centres (APCC).
• Liesl de Kock added another feather to her cap by completing Oncology Training for Social Workers with the inspiring Linda Greeff.
• Angelique Oosthuizen, Rebekah Delsouiller, Sherae Swart, and Juanee Pretorius bravely tackled the difficult topic of suicide assessment and intervention in a workshop led by Belinda from Wisemind.
• We also got our thinking caps on during capacity assessment training with Suzaan Jenkinson, an experienced UK-trained Best Interest Assessor.
• On the self-study front, we explored the world of art therapies to support healthy aging and brushed up on how to recognise and respond to anxiety symptoms in older adults.
While we love our training sessions and workshops, our greatest teachers are, and always will be, our residents. Many of the people we work with are two generations older than us, and while we bring the theory, they bring the wisdom, humour, resilience, and life lessons that no course can teach.
By Juanee Pretorius, Social Work Manager at Noordhoek
PRESERVING WITH GRACE
As the days grow longer and the warmth of spring begins to unfold, there’s a sense of quiet renewal in the air. Yet, even as the world outside starts to wake up, many of us are feeling the weight of a long year.
We’re in the final quarter, and while spring often brings the promise of new beginnings, it can also remind us just how much we’ve already carried. Each season brings its own challenges, and by the time we reach this point in the year, it’s completely natural to feel tired, emotionally, mentally, and physically.
You may have faced hard decisions. You may have juggled care, work, and family, as well as your own needs. You may have smiled through exhaustion, or cried in the quiet of the night.
All of that is real and valid, and through it all, you’ve persevered and kept going.
This last part of the year is a good time to ask yourself how you really are, what you need right now and whether you are making time to rest. Recent research reminds us that perseverance is a skill that grows with practice. It’s not about pushing harder every moment but learning to
nurture yourself emotionally, even when things are tough. When negative feelings arise, they can make us want to give up but finding ways to invite in positive emotions, whether through a quiet walk, a moment of prayer, or simply breathing in the fresh spring air, can strengthen your ability to keep going. Perseverance doesn’t always look like pushing harder. Sometimes, it looks like asking for help or acknowledging that something is enough.
This is the kind of strength that doesn’t shout, but whispers. It doesn’t seek attention, but deserves deep respect. To every individual navigating life’s changes, and to every family caring for someone with dementia, may you receive the same compassion you so freely give to others.
You are still here, showing up and still loving, and that, more than anything, is the true meaning of perseverance.
By Sherae Swart, Faircape Social Worker
https://www.dementia.org.au/living-dementia/family-friends-andcarers/self-care-carers
https://www.brainfirstinstitute.com/blog/the-power-ofperseverance-insights-from-neuroscience-and-psychology-research
DEMENTIA SUPPORT GROUP
Please contact our Social Worker, Sheraé Swart or our Occupational Therapist, Demi Southgate if you wish to join the Dementia Support Group.
We hope to see you and your family at our next group.
Sherae: 071 353 5853
Demi: 0607483604
Socialworker3@faircapehealth.co.za NoordhoekOT@faircapehealth.co.za
Every first Thursday of the month in the Noordhoek Meeting Room
Upcoming dates:
• 6 November 2025
7 August 2025
• 4 December 2025
• 4 September 2025
• 2 October 2025
• 6 November 2025
• 4 December 2025
The purpose of the support group
The Dementia Support Group offers a compassionate and non-judgmental environment where spouses and family members of individuals living with dementia can openly share their experiences and receive support.
Aim of the group:
Awareness
Self-awareness over your emotional response.
• Become more aware of emotional triggers.
Improved social relations
Feel less alone
• Feel more understood and part of a community. Meet people going through similar challenges.
Enhance self-confidence and resilience
• Reflect on your strengths, positive attributes and qualities.
• Brainstorm strategies to adapt and overcome dificult situations.
difficult situations.