Residents look expectantly to the new year, hoping for more adventure and new moments. In a mundane world where each day rolls into another without any fundamental change, it is important for us as the custodians of the facility to initiate change, instill a culture of growth and craft new experiences for our residents. We are looking forward to 2024 being a year of more healthy living and active lifestyles for our residents. Being more self-aware (diet, hygiene, health, activity) has translated into a more positive, developing residents who “live and not just exist.”
DCMH Sports Day – Himalaya Grounds, Merebank
The blazing sun didn’t deter our residents, or any of the others from Durban Coastal Mental Health’s Protective Workshop, from enjoying the Sports Day recently. Most of the workshop users under the auspices of DCMH participated in the various track events hosted at the Himalaya Grounds in Merebank.
Residents enjoyed the different experience of being on a bus trip with others to and from the venue. Though a long day in the heat, residents enjoyed their day in the sun. Well done to all participants – you are all winners!
Keeping active is a way of life now for our residents. It’s become fun, whether in the courtyard or out in the field. Sometimes it’s a simple game of jumping in hoops, other times swing ball or just plain Orbitrek. We’re just relieved they keep moving! Apart from the obvious health benefits, being active definitely affects their mood and overall interaction with their fellow housemates. We love that they no longer resist participating!
International Yoga Day 22nd June
The International Yoga Day 2024 theme is “Yoga for Self and Society.” Residents were reminded of the double benefits of yoga practice: enhancing personal well-being and improving society at large. The theme recognises that inner serenity and self-care are the cornerstones of a happy and healthy existence. Three years on, we are so excited to see how agile residents have become, and how their breathing has improved thanks to the techniques they learnt in yoga.
Mothers Day Treat
Management and residents treated our carers, women contractors and St Martins Church ladies to a sumptuously prepared Mothers Day lunch. It was our small token of appreciation for serving our facility with such care and commitment, and it also recognised their role as “mothers” even at NBL. Our choir sang some beautiful melodies as the main entertainment. Needless to say, the ladies greatly appreciated this spoil and enjoyed the afternoon with us.
The past Heritage Day
Celebrating each other’s culture is such fun, but more than that, it highlights the interesting and unique foods, clothing and lifestyle of each. Our residents get the chance to learn about the different cultures and, of course, enjoy braaivleis and wors, and end with a party!
Art
Our precious artists! These creative processes are so beneficial to our residents – they enhance cognitive functions such as problem-solving, memory and spatial awareness. Their regular participation in arts and crafts helps reduce the risk of cognitive decline as they age.
Entertainers for Easter – Quattro Voci
Thank you Ethekweni Caterers for bringing us your super talented musicians and entertainers from Cape Town. Our residents counted the days to their arrival. As always, they wowed our residents with their incredible renditions of classics, stage outfits and amped vibe!
We will await their return…
Birthdays
It was a bountiful last six weeks. Many residents celebrated another year around the sun. But we must concede, despite the amount of cake in this period, our residents keep active to counter the “sweet overload.” That is a lot of celebrating and feel-good moments – we’re trying to figure out how to celebrate without cake!
Out and About
It was a whole lot of “out and about.” Our pics are just a small selection of residents “living life.” Their smiles are testimony of their renewed confidence being out and about doing the normal, basic stuff, like shopping, sporting activities and church. The smiles are bigger, obviously, when they’re in Kentucky devouring the famous fried chicken, or in Spur enjoying a burger, or Wimpy chugging a milkshake. Precious, happy moments our residents hold on to!
Rest Well Jayesh Naran 06/04/56 – 04/04/24
Late Jayesh, brain damaged in a motor vehicle accident in his early 30s, became a resident at North Bay Lodge in 2012. He was a refined, highly intelligent gentleman who enjoyed a good conversation with people. His health declined in the last two years of his life and he passed away on 4th April 2024. Residents attended and sang at Jayesh’s funeral. His family later held a memorial ceremony at NBL on Jayesh’s birthday to celebrate his life memories with the residents.
WELCOME to our new resident David
David moved from a care home in Hillcrest to North Bay Lodge in June 2024. He is a respectful, timid, obliging gentleman who enjoys board games and being in the garden. David has now become a member of the NBL garden team, tending to our flower beds daily and ensuring the garden looks neat and tidy at all times. He has settled in well and has been embraced by all at NBL.
WELCOME to our new resident Mark
Mark lived with his family on the South Coast for a short time after being at another facility inland Natal for many years. He became a resident in May 2024. Mark is a sociable young man who enjoys giving everyone hugs from the moment you meet him. He enjoys television, music and being on his computer. To encourage more outdoor activity, we included him in the garden team, and he is enjoying contributing to the home in this way.
NBL Council Members
Chair – Carol Hollinshead
Carol (resident Kevin Hollinshead’s sister-in-law) and her family have been actively involved since Kevin moved into NBL almost 30 years ago. Ann Hollinshead (mother-in-law) served on the Council in the earlier years. She is an experienced Human Resources practitioner, having worked in HR management in corporate for many years. Eight years ago she opened her own consultancy business, contracting to many SMMEs and large businesses. Carol joined the Council in 2018 when Ann was no longer on Council. She has served and supported ex-Chair Dr Visegan Subrayen during his tenure. Carol was elected Chair in late 2024 upon Dr Visegan’s resignation. She is passionate about NBL and focused on its growth, development and sustainability. Together with the Council, she ensures policies and procedures are in place for efficiency and transparency.
Treasurer – Joff Wickins
Joff admitted his son Nick into our facility in 2021. Shortly afterwards, he was co-opted onto NBL Council. Joff has more than 40 years’ experience in the financial sector. In later years, he opened his own consulting business; his service offerings include business mentoring, and assisting and developing SMMEs. He is also a professional fundraiser. Having served on the board of Horizon Farm facility, Joff brings with him valuable experience. As our Treasurer, Joff is meticulous and diligent in managing NBL finances. He is also focusing on raising funds for NBL’s larger future projects.
Maintenance Portfolio – Garth Le Roux
Garth Le Roux has been a Grantor since 2015, when he admitted his son Che to North Bay Lodge. He was elected to NBL Council in 2019 to oversee the Maintenance portfolio, a role he continues with dedication to date. Garth’s career has been with the South African Police Force from inception. He advanced into specialised police services, and mid-career was a member of the Hawks team up until his retirement. Garth works closely with our Maintenance Manager, ensuring maintenance is done timeously and meets the required quality standards. He also plans and oversees any major new NBL maintenance projects.
Medical Portfolio – Dr Shirin Asmal-Moorad
Dr Shirin Asmal-Moorad is resident Mohammed’s sibling and a Grantor (2013). She is a medical doctor specialising as a family physician in Durban. Shirin was co-opted onto the Council in 2019 and provided valuable direction and management to NBL during the Covid pandemic a year later. Her portfolio includes high-level guidance in respect of our medical and care processes, and care staff quality and performance.
General Portfolio – Toni Torino
Toni Torino is the parent of our resident Ivor. Toni has been a Grantor at NBL since 2010. He was co-opted onto NBL Council at the end of 2023. Toni is a retired mechanical engineer and worked in management in major specialised pneumatic and construction companies.
We’re looking forward to the next part of the year! Our Disability Walk in October is the next big event, followed by our resident and carer Christmas party, where we host our suppliers and contractors, and each year extend an invitation to the Chair and Council members as our guests.
Looking forward to seeing our Grantors at our upcoming AGM in August.
