Faircape Health Institute
TOKAI ESTATE NEWSLETTER September 2026
FROM THE DESK OF THE HEALTHCARE MANAGER Dear Residents, Families, and Loved Ones, I joined Faircape in May as Healthcare Operations Coordinator, working across our three healthcare facilities in the Southern Suburbs. While Leanne, our Healthcare Manager, enjoys maternity leave, I am overseeing her responsibilities and supporting the team to ensure continuity across our facilities. My background is in Occupational Therapy, with experience gained in both South Africa and the Middle East. Throughout my career, I have developed a strong passion for healthcare management and for creating environments that enable people to continue leading meaningful and fulfilling lives. One of the things that has particularly resonated with me at Tokai is the emphasis placed on creating meaningful experiences for residents. Our pet therapy programme has become a cherished part of life here. A gentle cuddle or a playful interaction can spark conversation, encourage reminiscence, and bring genuine moments of comfort and joy. For residents living with dementia, the calm companionship of an animal can be especially meaningful.
Our residents continue to show that giving back has no age limit. Through community outreach initiatives, residents have been knitting blankets for local animal welfare organisations and preparing sandwiches for those experiencing food insecurity – finding purpose and pride in knowing their efforts make a difference beyond our own community. We are also fortunate to have beautiful grounds that support residents’ wellbeing through regular walks and time outdoors, which promote movement, mood, and meaningful sensory experiences. What connects all of these initiatives is a simple understanding: exceptional care encompasses far more than meeting clinical needs. Quality of life is built through everyday opportunities for connection, purpose, and enjoyment. I look forward to the journey ahead at Tokai.
Zaskia Ezendam Healthcare Operations Coordinator hcmanagersouth@faircapehealth.co.za
MEDICINE IN LONG-TERM CARE: WHEN LESS CAN BE MORE. One challenge we frequently encounter in long-term care is that residents arrive with an impressive medication list accumulated over many years. Each drug may have had a good indication when it was started, but the clinical context changes as people become older and frailer. Therefore, our medical reviews involve more than simply continuing chronic prescriptions. We regularly ask: Does this medication still have a meaningful benefit for this particular resident? Could it be contributing to falls, postural hypotension, drowsiness, confusion, renal impairment or poor appetite? Is tight BP or diabetic control still appropriate? And does the likely “time to benefit” from preventative medication match the person’s current health and goals of care? This approach is increasingly supported by the evidence. A 2026 systematic review of medication review and deprescribing in long-term care facilities found reductions in both overall medication burden and potentially inappropriate medication use, without a significant increase in hospitalisation or mortality. De-prescribing does not mean “stopping everything”. Anticoagulation, diabetic medication, antihypertensives
and other treatments may remain extremely important. Rather, it means regularly reconsidering the balance between benefit and burden for the individual resident. This is particularly relevant in long-term care, where our goals extend beyond disease targets. Maintaining mobility, cognition, comfort and independence, and avoiding preventable adverse effects and hospital transfers may ultimately matter more to a frail resident than achieving a textbook BP, HbA1c or cholesterol result. The best medication list is therefore not necessarily the longest one. It’s the one that still makes sense for the person taking it.
By Dr Nicci Snyders Family Physician tokaidoctor1@faircapemedical.co.za
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY AT FAIRCAPE HEALTH INSTITUTE TOKAI LONG-TERM CARE Welcome! My name is Lauren Van Eck, and I have the privilege of serving as the Group Occupational Therapy Manager for Faircape Health Institute’s Long-Term Care facilities. Working alongside me is our dedicated Activity Assistant, Meegan Africa, whose passion and enthusiasm bring energy, creativity, and joy to our residents every day.
Our group programmes create opportunities for residents to remain socially connected through exercise groups, cognitive stimulation, reminiscence therapy, music, arts and crafts, gardening, baking, pet therapy, community outreach, and seasonal celebrations. Every group is carefully planned with therapeutic goals in mind.
Occupational Therapy is often misunderstood as simply providing activities — our role extends far beyond entertainment. Everything we do is grounded in clinical assessment, evidence-based practice, and a deep understanding of healthy ageing. Each resident is individually assessed, and we develop personalised intervention plans that focus on maintaining abilities, preventing decline, and promoting meaningful participation in everyday life.
At Faircape Health Institute Tokai, we believe that ageing should never mean giving up the things that bring purpose and fulfilment. Occupational Therapy is about helping people continue to live, not simply to exist.
Lauren van Eck Long Term Occupational Therapy Manager TokaiOT@faircapehealth.co.za
PAWS FOR WELLBEING The Healing Power of Pet Therapy At Faircape Health Institute Tokai, pet therapy has become a cherished part of our Occupational Therapy programme, bringing comfort, companionship, and joy through regular interactions with visiting therapy animals. Many residents have owned pets throughout their lives, making these visits deeply familiar and emotionally significant. Stroking a dog, watching an animal play, or sharing a quiet moment together often evokes treasured memories and encourages reminiscence and conversation. The emotional benefits are profound. Interacting with animals reduces stress and anxiety, and for individuals living with dementia, animals provide a reassuring presence that helps reduce agitation and create moments of calm. Every wagging tail and gentle cuddle reminds us that healing can come in many forms, and that sometimes the most powerful therapy begins with a simple paw placed in a waiting hand.
GIVING BACK WITH PURPOSE
Community Outreach Through Occupational Therapy At Faircape Health Institute Tokai, we believe that purpose does not retire with age. This year, our Occupational Therapy team introduced community outreach initiatives that allow residents to continue making a meaningful difference in the lives of others. Residents have knitted blankets for local animal welfare organisations and prepared sandwiches for community outreach programmes supporting individuals experiencing food insecurity. These activities transformed everyday occupations into acts of kindness. From an Occupational Therapy perspective, these projects are meaningful occupations that promote health and wellbeing. Knitting supports hand strength, dexterity, and cognitive stimulation, while sandwich-making encourages planning, sequencing, and teamwork. Equally important is the emotional benefit: the pride residents feel knowing their efforts are helping others is a powerful contributor to positive ageing and self-worth. Community outreach reminds our residents that they still have valuable gifts to offer, and that kindness, compassion, and purpose have no age limit.
EVERY STEP MATTERS Promoting Wellbeing Through Daily Walks At Faircape Health Institute Tokai, residents are encouraged to enjoy regular walks throughout our beautiful grounds – whether independently, with a walking aid, or comfortably in a wheelchair. Every resident is given the opportunity to spend time outdoors. Walking helps maintain muscle strength, joint mobility, balance, and cardiovascular health. Exposure to natural daylight regulates sleep patterns, sunlight supports Vitamin D production, and fresh air and green spaces reduce stress and improve mood. For many residents, these walks become meaningful moments of connection. Conversations flourish, familiar flowers and birds spark treasured memories, and the simple pleasure of feeling the sun on the skin provides rich sensory stimulation. Our walks aren’t just a part of a daily routine, they’re a therapeutic intervention designed to support healthy ageing. Sometimes, the greatest therapy begins with taking the next step.
FAIRCAPE HEALTH PHARMACY TOKAI: HERE WHEN YOU NEED US Our pharmacy at Faircape Health Institute Tokai is here for everyone, not just our healthcare residents. Whether you are a village resident, a family member visiting a loved one, or simply looking for a convenient, professional pharmacy close to home, Faircape Health Pharmacy Tokai is open to you. Our services include chronic and acute medication dispensing, blister packing for simpler daily medication management, prescription transfers, specialised product ordering, and personalised pharmaceutical advice. We offer free delivery to Tokai Estate, Clé du Cap, and Noordhoek Manor.
YOUR PHARMACIST: AN IMPORTANT PART OF YOUR HEALTHCARE TEAM As we get older, managing our health can become more complicated. Many long-term care residents take several medicines each day, often prescribed by different healthcare professionals. Keeping track of what each medicine is for, when it should be taken, and how medicines work together can feel overwhelming. This is where your pharmacist plays an important role – not only in dispensing medication but also in advising on medicines, identifying potential problems, and working alongside your wider healthcare team.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR MEDICINES If you are unsure about a medicine, please don’t be afraid to ask. Your pharmacist can help with questions such as: • What is this medicine for and how should I take it? • What side effects should I look out for? • Are there any medicines or supplements I should avoid? There are no silly questions when it comes to your health.
DON’T FORGET OVER-THE-COUNTER PRODUCTS
TAKING MULTIPLE MEDICINES
Always mention vitamins, supplements, and over-the-counter remedies to your healthcare team. Even products purchased without a prescription can sometimes interact with other medicines.
The more medicines a person takes, the more important it becomes to review them regularly. A medication review helps ensure your medicines remain appropriate and that you are getting the best possible benefit from your treatment. It doesn’t necessarily mean stopping medicines.
Never stop or change a prescribed medicine without first speaking to your doctor or pharmacist. Your questions are important, and your pharmacist is there to help.
Frances Knoetze Responsible Pharmacist pharmacist@tokaihealthpharmacy.co.za
NEW SOCIAL WORKER: KELLY HART A warm hello to the residents of Noordhoek Manor! I am delighted to introduce myself as the new Social Worker supporting the wonderful communities of Clé du Cap, Noordhoek Manor and Tokai Estate. Born and raised in Cape Town, I completed my Bachelor of Social Work at the University of Cape Town. My career in social work began primarily within the field of child protection, where I had the opportunity to work closely with children and families and support them through a variety of difficult and complex circumstances. While this experience has shaped my practice considerably, I have always had a strong interest in working with older adults, and I am passionate about the unique and meaningful aspects of geriatric social work. I’m looking forward to getting to know each community, hearing your stories and becoming a familiar and approachable face. Whether it’s offering support during a challenging period, assisting with family dynamics and transitions, or having a conversation and a cup of coffee, I hope to be a source of support to residents and their loved ones. When I am not working, you will most likely find me spending time with family and friends, enjoying a good cup of coffee, or keeping active through running. I love being outdoors and making the most of the beautiful Cape Town surroundings. I am excited for this new chapter and look forward to meeting you all and becoming part of the Clé du Cap, Noordhoek Manor and Tokai Estate communities. Here’s to getting to know one another and building meaningful connections along the way!
Kelly Hart Social Worker socialworker3@faircapehealth.co.za
10 THINGS I WISH MY FAMILY KNEW ABOUT LIVING IN FRAIL CARE
Liesl de Kock Social Worker socialworker1@faircapehealth.co.za
A resident’s perspective 1. I still want to make my own choices Even if I need help dressing, bathing, or walking, I still want to make decisions about my daily life. Let me choose what clothes I’d like to wear, whether I’d like to join an activity, or what I’d like to eat. Maintaining independence, even in small ways, helps preserve my dignity, confidence, and sense of identity. 2. Your visits matter more than you realise You don’t have to plan elaborate outings or bring expensive gifts. Simply sitting with me, sharing a cup of tea, telling me about your day or about my grandchildren, looking through old photographs, or holding my hand can brighten my entire day. Your presence reminds me that I am still loved, valued, and an important part of your life. 3. I am more than my diagnosis Whether I live with dementia, Parkinson’s disease, or physical frailty, these conditions do not define who I am. I am still the parent who raised you, the spouse who loves you, the grandparent who spoilt the grandchildren, the friend who loved to laugh, the gardener, the teacher, and the baker. Please continue to see the whole person, not just my illness. 4. I still want to feel useful Having someone do everything for me can sometimes leave me feeling as though I’ve lost my purpose. If I can water plants, feed the birds, pour someone a glass of water, or encourage another resident, let me. Feeling useful reminds me that I still have something valuable to offer. 5. My world has become smaller, but my need for connection hasn’t As mobility decreases and friends pass away, opportunities for social interaction become fewer. A phone call, a video message from the grandchildren, a handwritten note, or hearing about everyday family life helps me feel connected to the people I love.
6. Some days are harder than others There may be days when I feel confused, tired, anxious, or frustrated. My emotions may change quickly. Please don’t take it personally if I seem withdrawn or upset. Meet me where I am that day, with patience and understanding. Tomorrow may be completely different. 7. Please don’t treat me like a child I may need more help than I once did, but I am still an adult with a lifetime of experiences, wisdom, and opinions. Sometimes, when people begin speaking for me, making decisions without including me, or using a childish tone of voice, it can leave me feeling invisible or diminished. Please continue to speak to me, not about me, even if someone else is helping with my care. Needing assistance does not mean I have lost my dignity or my voice. 8. Please allow me my little pleasures I know a glass of wine or an extra helping of pudding may not be considered the healthiest choices, but I have already lost many of the freedoms I once enjoyed. Sometimes, these small pleasures bring comfort, familiarity, and joy to my day. 9. I still need your patience You may need to repeat yourself. I may tell you the same story more than once or move more slowly than I used to. Please remember that I am not trying to be difficult. I am doing the very best I can with the abilities I have today. Your patience gives me confidence instead of embarrassment, and reassurance instead of fear. 10. Love me for who I am today You may miss the person I used to be, but I’m still here. I still smile, laugh, enjoy music, appreciate kindness, and treasure time with the people I love. While my abilities may have changed, my need to feel loved, respected, and accepted has not.
FAIRCAPE Health Institute
DEMENTIA SUPPORT GROUP For families with a loved one living with Dementia Tokai | Clé du Cap Enhance your understanding of Dementia and explore effective approaches to managing the challenges faced by both you and your loved ones. These groups also offer meaningful connections with others who share similar experiences.
Dates for 2026 • • •
Friday 18 September Friday 23 October Friday 20 November (Final Group)
Facilitated by Kelly Hart: Clé du Cap, Noordhoek and Tokai Long Term Social Worker (socialworker3@faircapehealth.co.za) & Lauren van Eck: Group Occupational Therapist (groupotmanager@faircapehealth.co.za) To join, email one of the facilitators who will confirm your attendance.
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Please do not hesitate to contact Faircape Health Institute Tokai for more information: enquiries@faircape.co.za or 021 001 8291 Cnr Vans Rd & Windsor Place, Dreyersdal, Cape Town, 7945 Stay In Touch | @FaircapeHealthInstitute
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