Heartbeat

Issue #26 AUGUST 2023

INDEX LONG SERVICE AWARDS NEW PERMANENT APPOINTMENTS ANGELS PAW THERAPY REHAB THERAPY DAY YOUTH DAY LEAVING THE NEST ELDER ABUSE AWARENESS SANCA DRUG AWARENESS BUILDING BRAINS COURSE RAVEN BENNY COO CORPORATE WELLNESS WEEK MR SANDILE DLADLA SAMEER GOOLAM MR DUMISANI SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY WORLD CHOCOLATE DAY MANDELA DAY-MONDIA UMHLANGA PSYCHOLOGIST APPRECIATION DAY SUBSTANCE ABUSE MANDELA DAY - NURTURE ALBERTON MANDELA DAY-NURTURE VEREENIGING 2

LONG SERVICE AWARDS We are proud to have you on our team and offer congratulations on this service milestone during July 2023. Sharron Rodney Beauty Mayekiso Nurture Cape View Nurture Aurora NEW PERMANENT APPOINTMENTS Congratulations to our Permanent appointments for the month of July. We welcome you to our Nurture and Mondia families. FACILITY NAME JOB TITLE Administration Support Beacon Bay Candice Collett Senior Physiotherapist Care Worker Beacon Bay Onitha Longwe Care Worker Registered Nurse Beacon Bay Nelly Phoku Credit Controller Beacon Bay Mzikayise Moli Social Worker Dihlabeng Dintle Khoarai Clinical Assessor Enrolled Nurse Haven Health Manage- Melissa van der Merwe Speech Therapist ment Occupational Therapist Occupational Therapist Hillandale Elfrieda Strydom Physiotherapist Registered Nurse Newlands Mart-Merie Botha Care Worker Supporter Rynmed Nosipho Mthembu Registered Nurse Clinical Nurse Rynmed Tahseen Shaik Ahmed Doctor Rynmed Thandiwe Holweni Rynmed Busisiwe Shandu Rynmed Lekoko Mampone Spescare George Alicia Julies Spescare Helderberg Sisanda Mkontwana Umhlanga Cynthia Nkomo Umhlanga Thandeka Hlongwa Umhlanga Poovasha Naicker Vereeniging Tebogo Sekamegeng 3

THERAPY TIME Nurture Hillandale The Hillandale Team and in-patients all Frail care Facility to make Nelson assisted during therapy time to bake Mandela Day a special one for and create! their residents! All in good spirits for Mandela Day, “There can be no greater gift than muffins were baked, and body lotions that of giving one’s time and energy were made! to helping others without expecting On July 18th we reached out to a local anything in return. ” Nelson Mandela 4

ANGEL PAWS THERAPY DOGS Nurture Ilembe This was another wonderful visit by this Find us in the following links: team. Thank you to all the amazing handlers and beautiful dogs for joining Facebook: in on our therapy sessions. They have https://m.facebook.com/story. just launched their new website: www. angelpawstherapydogs.org.za. Please Video: visit the link to see all the good work that https://fb.watch/lGj9keTHlT/?mibextid= they do! qC1gEa Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/CtO0d_ oKuao/?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== Video: https://www.instagram.com/reel/ CtOCut5qC12/?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA == Left to right: Pam, Saishna (Physio) with Frankie, Pam with Kara, Pippa with Gabriel and Celine with Biscuit. 5

Therapeutic walks with the dogs are a big part of the rehabilitation process. It has proven to lower heart rate in patients and decreasing stress. 6

Rehab Therapy Day Nurture Ilembe We celebrated our first Therapy Day Thank you for all that you do for to honour our hardworking therapy our patients and for going above team: Physiotherapists, Occupational and beyond to ensure patient Therapists, Speech Therapists, Social centeredness. Workers, Psychologist, Rehab Aides and Admin Support. We had a fun afternoon of snacks, braai and team building activities. Back Row L-R: Avashini Reddy (Speech Therapist), Kaishree Delomoney (Social worker), Bongakonke Mbatha (Physiotherapist), Kathryn Wilkstorm (Psychologist), Nontokozo Sibiya (Occupational Therapist), Octavia Mthimkhulu (Rehab Aide), Shivasthi Harilall (Social Worker) Middle Row L-R: Londiwe Masikane (Occupational Therapist), Husna Yusuf (Physiotherapist), Lucia de Almeida (Occupational Therapist), Kiara Birbal-Nandlal (Physiotherapist), Samashnie Naicker (Therapy admin), Shantal Ramkissor (Rehab Program Manager and Occupational Therapist) and Mbali Maphalala (Rehab Aide) Front Row L-R: Emily Koen (Speech Therapist), Taryn Osborn (Occupational Therapist) and Saishna Bakool (Physiotherapist) 7Missing: Sthembiso Phakathi (Rehab Aide) and Ashleigh Hempson (Physiotherapist)

Thank you to our sponsors: Bernadine from Vencorp for the brownies, IPSS for the roses, Discovery for the lanyards, pens, lunchbags, armbands and Lancet for the car discs and lanyards. Thank you to Fedics for the savoury platters. Gifts 8

Thanks to the Social Task Team Members for setting up for the day: Kaishree, Nontokozo, Octavia and Saishna. Team building We thank Torsten, Kathryn’s hus- band, (psychologist) for braa- ing. We appreciate it, and the food was so delicious! 9

Youth Day Nurture Ilembe Shared some history with the team during morning huddle as to why we cele- brate Youth day. It is not just a public holiday. 10

LEAVING THE NEST Nurture Aurora Aurora hospital is the ideal haven for The sunshine was thoroughly enjoyed by someone to regain their physical and all but getting to the sand posed numer- cognitive functioning. With smooth, level ous challenges. Starting with practicing to surfaces, handrails, few steps, therapists get in and out of the bus, a steep cement and ward staff who are well acquainted descent down to the beach, and then of with the patient’s condition always casting course a 30m sandy walk to the cement a watchful eye to ensure their safety. Once bench where we held an exercise group. the patient passes the early stages of their The patients then had to practice money rehabilitation, they move on to more dif- management skills and navigating social ficult tasks such as uneven terrain, unlev- situations when accessing a restaurant elled surfaces, longer distances, and car and enjoying something to eat or drink.  transfers all in preparation for the outside After returning to the hospital the patients world.  and therapists could now sit down and identify some of the challenges that were This outside world can be a rather daunting experienced on the outing and aim treat- thought after weeks of safely navigating ment at overcoming these.  within the hospital walls.Together, therapists and patients try to identify possible areas Arriving back at the hospital with a new of difficulty that may be encountered post sense of vigour for therapy and returning to discharge and prepare for them as best everyday life, therapy continues with eyes they can. Yet, some of these challenges fixed on the goals ahead. will only present themselves when faced in the outside world.  Therapeutic outings are a way to gradually re-introduce patients into the community within the care of therapists and aiders and in a “controlled” environment. Auroras new minibus can accommodate 4 wheelchairs and 6 people, enabling the team to plan and execute group outings, making it interactive and less daunting.On this specific occasion 2 Physio’s and an OT accompanied 4 Aurora patients with varying levels of ambulating abilities for an outing to the beach.  11

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ELDER ABUSE AWARENESS Nurture Ilembe Nomonde (locum social worker) and include humiliation or disrespect, ver- Kaishree (social worker) presented bal and non-verbal threats.  world elder abuse to the staff and to 4. Neglect is the failure to meet an patients on what elder abuse is. A very older adults basic needs. These needs informative and interactive session include food, water, shelter, clothing, with patients and staff members. hygiene, and essential medical care. What is elder abuse?  5. Financial Abuse is the illegal, unau- Elder abuse is a global issue attracting thorized, or improper use of an elder the older people and has been person’s money, benefits, belongings, regarded as a social problem across property, or assets for the benefit of various genders, cultures and racial someone other than the older adult. groups.  Common types of elder abuse: How big is the problem in South Afri- 1. Physical abuse: is when an elder ex- ca?  periences illness, pain, injury, function- It is quite a serious problem. The avail- al impairment, distress, or death as a able information is an underestimate result of the intentional use of physical of the problem because the number force and includes acts such as hit- of nonfatal injuries is limited to older ting, kicking, pushing, slapping, and adults who are treated in emergency burning. departments. The information doesn’t 2. Sexual abuse: involves forced or un- include those treated by other provid- wanted sexual interaction of any kind ers or those that do not need or do with an older adult. This may include not seek treatment. Additionally, many unwanted sexual contact or penetra- cases are not reported because el- tion or non-contact acts such as sexu- ders are afraid or unable to tell police,- al harassment. friends, or family about the violence.  3. Emotional or Psychological Abuse: What are the consequences? refers to verbal or nonverbal behaviors Elder abuse can have several physi- that inflict anguish, mental pain, fear, cal and emotional effects on an older or distress on an older adult. Examples adult. 13

1. Victims are fearful and anxious.  in getting help.  2. They may have problems with trust The older adult population is growing and be wary of others.  faster in SA more than are younger 3. Many victims suffer physical injuries. populations. Many older adults require Some are minor, like cuts, scratches, care and are vulnerable to violence bruises, and welts.  perpetrated by caregivers or someone 4. Others are more serious and can they trust. More research is needed to cause lasting disabilities. These include uncover the causes for, and solutions head injuries, broken bones, constant to, violence against older adults. physical pain and soreness. Physical Contact the following to help/report: injuries can also lead to premature -Action on Elder Abuse SA. Email: ac- death and make existing health prob- [email protected]. lems worse. Tel: 021 426-5255. How can we prevent elder abuse?  -Halt Elder Abuse Line (HEAL) Toll-free: 1. Listen to older adults and their care- 0800 00 30 81. givers to understand their challenges -South African Gerontological Associa- and provide support. tion (SAGA) Email: [email protected]. Tel: (002711) 483 7497. You can also contact Magistrate's Courts or Equality 2. Report abuse or suspected abuse Courts and Police stations. to local adult protective services.  3. Provide over-burdened caregivers with support such as help from friends, family, or local relief care groups; adult day care programs and counselling.  4. Encourage and assist persons (ei- ther caregivers or older adults) having problems with drug or alcohol abuse 14

SANCA Drug Awareness Nurture Ilembe Speaker, Saishna, shared information on drug facts with the team in huddle, thereafter we had a detox shot prepared by Kaishree.. Hotline numbers were printed and kept by reception and duty stations for those to take and give to those who may need them. Red ribbons were worn to support those battling drug addictions. 15

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BUILDING BRAINS COURSE Nurture Ilembe On the 1st July 2023, Just Jargon hosted their Building Brains Workshop in KZN at Nurture Ilembe. Thank you to Fiona Breytenbach for the informative and inter- active course presented to us today. Thank you to Avashini, our speech therapist, for organizing and reaching out to Just Jargon for finally getting them to come to KZN! It was truly an exciting way to learn about neu- roanatomy and I think the rehab team thoroughly enjoyed it. 17

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RAVEN BENNY COO FROM QASA Nurture Ilembe Thank you to Raven, COO of QASA, for joining the team at Ilembe and sharing his experience, stories and providing us with valuable information pertaining to the QuadPara Association of South Afri- ca. We thank you for sharing your voice with us and look forward to you spend- ing some time and encouraging our patients with disabilities. Your ambition and fight is admirable. 19

CORPORATE WELLNESS WEEK Nurture Ilembe Wellness is the act of practicing healthy habits on a daily basis to achieve better physical and mental health outcomes, so that instead of just surviving, you’re thriving. DAY 1: PERCEIVED STRESS SCALE The team completed a Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) to rate our stress out of 40. Kaishree, our Social worker, thereafter discussed with the team what are our causes of stress and what are our coping mechanisms. We also released some endorphins with some light dancing. On the Wellness wheel, we focused on Emotional and Physical Wellbeing. Here is the link to full PDF of the PSS: https://www.das.nh.gov/wellness/Docs%5CPercieved%20Stress%20Scale.pdf 20

DAY 2: MINDFULNESS BODY SCAN Today we focused on “MEDITATION” that was conducted by Saishna, Physiother- apist. The team participated in a mindfulness body scan to relax the mind and body. 10 Scientific facts about meditation: 1. Reduces stress 2. Controls anxiety 3. Promotes emotional health (eases depression) 4. Lowers blood pressure 5. Strengthens immune system 6. Improves memory 7. Regulates mood 8. Increase self awareness 9. Improves sleep 10. Helps with addiction management DAY 3: ROSE, THORN AND BUD CHECK IN Today we focused on “MENTAL WELL-BEING” that was conducted. by Saishna, Physiotherapist. In huddle this morning, we went through a quick exercise called the Rose, Thorn and Bud Check In. This is an internal exercise giving you perspective to the different aspects in your life and hoping to give insight to where support is needed. 21

DAY 4: MASTERCHEF COOK OFF Day 4 (7th July 2023) Today we focused on “NUTRITIONAL WELL-BEING” that was conducted by Non- tokozo, Occupational Therapist. To end off the week, we decided to have our own Masterchef Cook Off be- tween two teams. Both teams were given a recipe and 45 minutes to cook and present their dish. They were judged based on efficiency as a team, presen- tation and taste. It was a close call but Team 2 won. Congrats to both teams, both the pastas were scrumptious. 22

MR SANDILE DLADLA’S NURTURE JOURNEY Nurture iLembe Mr Sandile Dladla is a 35-year-old breadwinner who sustained a traumatic C5 fracture in February 2023. The injury resulted in a severe spinal cord injury af- fecting the use of his upper and lower limbs, paralysing him from his shoulders down. He was unable to self-propel a wheelchair and required the support of a motorised wheelchair. Mr Dladla is a father to a 10-year-old girl who lives with him. He also financially supports his mother, his 3 sisters and his 8 minor nieces and nephews. Prior to his injury, Mr Dladla was the sole breadwinner and head of his family. During Mr Dladla’s admission, we ascertained that he required a motorised wheelchair to enable independent wheelchair mobility. Our generous equip- ment suppliers, CE Mobility, provided Mr Dladla with a demo motorised wheel- chair which provided Mr Dladla with the independence he required. Mr Dladla’s biggest fear was being totally bed bound. With a motorised wheel- chair, he can move around in his community, engage in daily tasks, support and encourage his children and re-assume his role as the head of his home. Having freedom of movement (which we all take for granted each day) en- abled him to be actively involved in his own business. Mr Dladla established a construction project from hospital. His dream is to employ, delegate and suc- cessfully complete home renovation projects. The donation of a motorised wheelchair from the Nurture Social Responsibility Fund, at a cost of R 29 628.00, will empower Mr Dladla and promote successful community reintegration which will also help him take his business to greater heights. It will assist with keeping his self-esteem up while empowering him to support his family as the sole breadwinner and head of his household. A core value of Nurture is patient centredness. This initiative is a fantastic ex- ample of what we stand for as an organisation. Identifying the need for a wheelchair and going one step further by gifting Mr Dladla with the freedom of movement really reinforces our patient centredness and the time, resources and love that we are willing to invest in our patients. “Note from the team to Kiara and Luca: Thank you for fighting for Sandile and his rights. He deserves this and will have a better quality of life going forward. Thank you, thank you, thank you.” 23

Treating Physiotherapist: Kiara Birbal-Nandlal Treating Occupational Therapist: Lucia de Almeida Back Row L-R: Sthembiso (rehab aide), Londiwe (OT), Mbali (Rehab aide), Octavia (re- hab aide), Ashleigh (Physio) and Bonga (Physio) Front Row L-R: Kiara (Physio), Sandile Dladla (patient) and Lucia (OT) 24

WELL DONE SAMEER GOOLAM Nurture iLembe Nurture Ilembe would like to recognise Sameer Goolam, our Stock Controller, for all his months of hard work. Not only has Sam met the budget month on month, he shoots the light out with profit in regards to the drug and medica- tion revenue. In addition to this, he has achieved excellent stock take results 3 months in a row, showing minimal to no losses ensuring sustainability. Well done Sam, and thank you. We appreciate you. 25

MR DUMISANI Nurture Aurora Mr Dumisani Kilili is well known to everyone at Nurture Aurora, and you cannot miss his smile when you see him roaming around in the passages. Mr Kilili was admitted to Aurora hospital in 2017 after he was medically managed in Cape Town after he sustained a gunshot wound whilst being on duty as a security guard. Mr Kilili was working in Cape Town to provide for his family that resides in the Eastern Cape. Once he was stabilized, he was transferred to Nurture Aurora in Port Elizabeth to be closer to his family. He was diagnosed with a complete spinal cord injury (C6/7) and he started with his rehabilitation journey. He was discharged back home in 2017 but unfortunately his home circum- stances were not optimal as his family lives in the very rural parts of the Eastern Cape. He had been struggling at home and he then developed stage 3 pres- sure ulcers. He was re-admitted to Nurture Aurora on 18 June 2020. We have successfully managed him medically and all his pressure ulcers has healed. The team had together with the guidance of COID decided that it is not safe for him to be discharged to his home environment. He has since re- mained at Nurture Aurora as there is still an ongoing process to find placement for him. The team at Nurture Aurora had come to love Mr Kilili and he has a special place in everyone’s heart. He continues to provide for his family, and he always make sure to make arrangements with our ward secretary to assist him to make appointments at the bank once a month. He independently manages his fi- nances, and he directs all of his care. He is independent in his chin controlled motorized wheelchair with his mounted cell phone. Mr Kilili has celebrated his 45th birthday on 26 May 2023 at Nurture Aurora. His birthday wish was to receive a Bluetooth speaker so that he can listen to music in his room. The staff at Nurture Aurora came together to make his birthday special and grant his wish. Mr Kilili asked that I thank everyone that was involved in making his day special and he appreciated every message. He was especially delighted to hear that Sr Pamela wished him happy birthday. 26

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SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY Mondia Health PROJECT Mondia Health donated a stationary bicycle, treadmill and weights to the Qum- bu child and youth centre to support their physical wellness 28

WORLD CHOCOLATE DAY Mondia Umhlanga Mondia Umhlanga celebrated World Chocolate Day on 7 July and used our love for chocolate as a great team- building session. 29

MANDELA DAY Mondia Umhlanga Mondia Umhlanga adopted two projects for Mandela Day. The first was collecting books to add to a newly built library in an underprivileged area driven by the Starwood Trust. Our second project was staff and patients making beanies, scarves and booties to donate to the Phoenix Children’s Home. 30

PSYCHOLOGIST APPRECIATION DAY Mondia Umhlanga Psychologist Appreciation Day is celebrated annually on the 14 July. Mondia Umhlanga showed our appreciation to our psychologists. 31

SUBSTANCE ABUSE AND ILLICIT TRAFFICKING AWARENESS DAY Mondia Woodlands 26 June Substance Abuse and Illicit trafficking awareness day Maritsa and Andre did an awareness campaign at SAPS to 28 employee wellness officials. Renier Naude presented a session to all in patients and staff on the danger of substance abuse. 32

MANDELA DAY Nurture Alberton Nurture Alberton visited a Woman and Childrens shelter. We gave soup and stationery for 2 children that couldn’t go to school as they did not have stationary. 33

MANDELA DAY Nurture Vereeniging Nurture Vereeniging celebrated Mandela Day by visiting the Catherine Robson Childrens Home. They have 90 children, ranging from babies to 18 years who are placed in their care by the Court due to various reasons. The home was started in the 1950’s by the Dutch Re- formed Church. We provided them with hotdogs, tea and warm winter beanies. 34

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