FROM THE DESK OF THE HEALTHCARE MANAGER
As we reach the end of the third quarter of the year, I want to take a moment to reflect on the progress we’ve made and share some important updates with you. Our team remains committed to providing the highest level of care for you and your loved ones. We continue to prioritise health and safety, ensuring that each resident receives personalised attention and care tailored to their unique needs. This quarter, we have focused on enhancing our care plans, increasing engagement activities, and maintaining open communication with families, which we know is so crucial during this time.
We’ve worked hard to bring fun, creativity, and meaningful connections to the daily routines of our residents. From music therapy and arts and crafts to social events and nature walks, our goal is to create an environment where residents feel engaged and connected to one another, as well as to their families. At Faicape, we know how important it is for you to stay connected with your loved ones, and we are committed to helping you do so. Our team has worked hard to ensure that virtual visits, phone calls,
and family meetings are available to families who wish to stay involved. Please let us know if there are any ways we can make these connections easier or more meaningful for you.
Looking Ahead
As we head into the final quarter of the year, we remain optimistic about the future and continue to focus on improving the quality of life for every resident. Our team is committed to providing exceptional care with compassion and respect, and we appreciate the continued trust you place in us. Please feel free to reach out to me directly with any questions, concerns, or suggestions.
MEET YOUR OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY TEAM AT ONRUS
My name is Marijke Scrooby and I am the Occupational Therapist at Faircape Health Onrus. My goal is to bring joy and purpose to our residents through meaningful, tailored activities that engage both body and spirit. Working alongside me is Josline Alexander, the Activity Assistant and my right hand.
Josline brings energy and warmth to our group activities, and together, we present an activity programme that is both fun and engaging. From lively games, exercise classes, arts and crafts to pet visits and scenic drives, our passion lies in making every day a little brighter, filled with moments of laughter, creativity, and connection. We offer a daily group activity programme, with weekly schedules which are available on the notice board at the duty station. These
Christelle du Plessis Healthcare Manager
OnrusNSM@faircapehealth.co.za
activities are a special part of the day for our residents, bringing them joy, and laughter.
Visits from family and friends are treasured too, and we would love to help you make the most of your time together. Please chat with us about your favourite activities so we can suggest the best times for everyone to share in these meaningful moments.
Marijke Scrooby Occupational Therapist
OnrusOT@faircapehealth.co.za
CRAZY SOCKS & SWEET TUNES
Our Friday Afternoon Social, held every second Friday from 3:00pm, remains a cherished highlight. We extend a huge thank you to Des Poole, a talented volunteer guitarist from Onrus Village, who, on several occasions, has filled the room with timeless songs.
At our most recent social, we added some extra fun with a crazy socks parade. Staff showcased their most outlandish socks, and Des, acting as judge, awarded first, second, and third-place winners.
PAWS & SMILES
We are lucky to have volunteers who bring their pets to Onrus Village, giving residents the chance to enjoy wagging tails and friendly cuddles.
These visits are always a hit, especially with our animal lovers, who enjoy every pat and playful moment. Beyond the fun, pet visits help ease stress, lift our mood, and bring a sense of connection that makes life even brighter.
CONNECTING GENERATIONS
Our healthcare centre was filled with joy and connection during a heartwarming visit from Grade 7 learners from a nearby Curro school, an initiative inspired by the son of our dedicated caregiver, Elisma Willemse.
The young visitors and our residents bonded over card games, puzzles, colouring, biscuit decorating, and lively domino matches. This joyful event reminded us all how meaningful it is to bridge the gap between different generations.
STRUMMING WITH THE JOY GROUP
Lively volunteers from the United Church’s Joy Group and the local community recently brought their infectious energy to Onrus Village. The talented group is well-known for spreading musical cheer at retirement villages across the area, and they hosted an unforgettable sing-a-long that had residents swaying, tapping their feet, and even dancing to well-known favourites. The room was abuzz with smiles as the music worked its magic, lifting spirits, sparking memories, and fostering a sense of togetherness.
SCENIC DRIVES
Every Tuesday afternoon, our residents set out on a twohour scenic drive to enjoy the beauty of our surroundings. From the sparkling Hermanus coastline and nearby beaches to the sweeping views from Rotary Way, each outing offers something special.
We recently added a light-hearted challenge - who can spot the first whale of the day. We pause at favourite seaside spots to soak in the atmosphere and enjoy some coffee, tea, and biscuits.
Some drives have taken us far afield to Stanford, Fisherhaven, and Kleinmond, while others reveal seasonal treasures, like the golden canola fields around Caledon and the breathtaking landscapes of Hemel and Aarde Valley. These weekly outings are always a highlight and bring plenty of joy to residents.
KNITTING FOR A CAUSE
Every Wednesday afternoon at 14:30, members of the knitting club gather to chat, connect and knit. The club offers residents a meaningful way to contribute to a worthy cause while enjoying each others’ company.
This quarter, they knitted colourful strips for blankets destined for children at Pebble School in Hemel and Aarde Valley, providing cosy warmth for their chilly winter bus rides to school.
A special thanks to our dedicated volunteers, Petra and Belinda, who join us weekly, bringing boundless enthusiasm, encouragement, and love. They make every session special with their caring presence. We were also thrilled to welcome Tutu Wagner from the Hermanus Senior Centre’s knitting club for a visit. She skillfully crocheted our knitted strips together and added a beautiful border, transforming them into stunning blankets that the children truly cherish.
WELCOMING SPRING
We embraced the arrival of Spring at the beginning of September with vibrant decorations to fill us with fresh energy. Residents enjoyed tasty fresh fruit skewers and refreshing ice lollies, all while tapping their toes to lively Spring-themed music.
The cheerful atmosphere brought smiles and laughter, celebrating the renewal and warmth of the season in true Onrus style.
ALL THINGS NURSING
Recognising our nurses is important. It is not just about saying thank you, but about investing in their well-being, motivation, and future. Nursing engagement matters because engaged nurses bring their hearts, skills, and energy to their work, and that elevates the care our patients receive.
Recognition makes our nurses feel appreciated. Engagement makes them feel involved. Together, the Onrus nursing team creates a cycle of motivation, loyalty, and excellence in care. So let’s raise a glass of zero bubbly to ourselves. We deserve to celebrate, not just for the incredible work we do, but simply for being who we are.
MEET OUR NIGHT SHIFT NURSES
WHY CHOOSE NURSING?
People often choose nursing because they were inspired by someone who touched their life deeply. For many this comes from either their mother or Saal 10, the popular hospital photo novel series from the 1960’s.
Our Night Shift Leaders are Sr. Elmarie Durnad and Sr. Michelle Poole. They are an indispensable part of our nursing team, the guiding lights who ensure that quality care, safety, and compassion never sleep. Their dedication through the long night keeps both residents and carers supported.
MY MOTHER AS MY NURSING ROLE MODEL
A beautiful and powerful sentiment, having my mother, a nurse herself, as my role model in my own nursing career creates a deeply personal and inspiring narrative.
Growing up, I watched my mother don her scrubs with pride, compassion radiating from her even before she stepped out the door. Her dedication, resilience, and deep empathy became the blueprint for the kind of nurse I aspire to be. I saw how she navigated long shifts, emotional days, and challenging situations with grace and a sense of purpose that never wavered.
Through her example, I learned that nursing is not only a profession, but a calling. My mother’s ability to listen, to care beyond just
TIPS TO TREAT UTIS IN THE ELDERLY
Older people are more prone to urinary tract infections (UTIs) due to age-related changes like a weakened immune system, decreased bladder muscle strength, difficulty fully emptying the bladder, and incontinence issues. It is further compounded by potential health conditions like diabetes or prostate enlargement that can contribute to urinary retention.
Older adults may not exhibit classic UTI symptoms but will experience more subtle signs like cognitive changes. In the elderly, the first sign of a UTI is often a change in mental state like being confused, having a decreased appetite or suddenly becoming very lethargic. This is before typical UTI symptoms like frequent urination or pain while urinating begins.
Other potential signs of a UTI include having cloudy urine, a slight fever, abdominal discomfort, or pain in the lower back. If an elderly person suddenly becomes confused or disoriented, it’s crucial to consider a potential UTI, even if they don’t have other urinary symptoms.
Key points to remember for prevention:
• Hydration is crucial: Drink ample water throughout the day to flush out bacteria from the urinary tract.
• Take regular bathroom breaks: Don’t hold urine for extended
clinical needs, and to be a steady presence in the lives of others has shaped my own values as I begin my journey in nursing.
As I grow in the field of nursing, I carry with me her lessons including the importance of empathy, the value of hard work, and the belief that small acts of kindness can have a profound impact. My mother is not just my role model, she is the foundation of my passion for nursing. To me, she is not just my mother but also a quiet hero.
From a daughter, and a nurse at Onrus.
periods. Go to the bathroom when you feel the urge.
• Maintain proper hygiene: Always wipe from front to back after using the toilet.
• Avoid bladder irritants: Limit your caffeine and alcohol intake.
• Manage your incontinence: If you are experiencing incontinence, change absorbent products frequently.
• Consider supplements: Ask your doctor about the potential benefits of cranberry supplements or vitamin C.
Written by Dorothy Taljaard, Healthcare Coordinator at Onrus.
Reference: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3878051/
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.
STAFF WELLNESS AT ONRUS
• 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 Onrus.
At Faircape, we believe that when our staff thrive, our residents thrive too. That’s why our HR department kicked off the year with a dedicated staff wellness programme across all six facilities. The initiative was designed to boost engagement, encourage holistic wellbeing, and create opportunities for staff to connect meaningfully with one another, all while building a vibrant, inclusive, and healthy work environment.
A HOLISTIC APPROACH TO WELLNESS
Wellness at Faircape goes beyond physical health. Our programme is rooted in the six dimensions of wellness which are physical, emotional, social, occupational, intellectual, and environmental. Through supportive policies, thoughtful initiatives, and a culture of care, we aim to equip employees with the tools they need to flourish personally and professionally. In turn, this contributes to stronger teams and improved outcomes for the organisation as a whole.
Wellness in Action
With the support of our Wellness Committee, employees take part in weekly challenges and activities designed to build resilience and strengthen overall well-being. Between July and September, staff took part in calming and restorative activities such as mindful meditation, Mandala colouring, a gentle fullbody stretch routine, and peaceful, mindful walks through the Village.
Looking Ahead
The long-term vision of the staff wellness programme is to provide employees with the resources and support they need to manage all aspects of their health including the physical, emotional, and even the financial. By fostering healthy habits and encouraging balance, Faircape aims to help staff reduce stress, prevent burnout, and build resilience for the future. At its heart, our wellness initiative is about our people, encouraging them to care for one another and creating an environment where everyone can thrive.
HAVE A LOVED ONE WITH DEMENTIA?
The purpose of the Dementia Support Group is to create a safe space where spouses and family of persons living with dementia (PLWD) can share their experiences in a supportive, nonjudgemental and caring environment. The group is facilitated by Occupational Therapist Marijke Scrooby and Social Worker, Liesl de Kock.
MEET OUR CARERS
Our carer supervisor, Wendy Siqhaza is very precious, both to the care team and to our residents. Her value lies in the fact that she bridges the gap between management, carers, and our residents. Wendy is indispensable, and her leadership sets the tone for compassionate, safe, and reliable care.
Our Assistant Carer Supervisors, Zandiswa Kongco and Charmaine Ruiters are the heartbeat of our day shift teams. They provide guidance, encouragement, and hands-on support to ensure that both our carers and residents feel valued, respected, and well-looked after. With dedication and compassion, they help create a caring environment where quality service and human dignity come first.
FAIRCAPE HEALTH