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THE CLUBHOUSE IN A LIFESTYLE AND RETIREMENT VILLAGE

The clubhouse in a lifestyle and retirement village

As todays’ retiree’s lifestyle preferences continue to change, retirement offerings will have to adapt. The major difference between the former traditional retirement properties and those being developed today boils down to these lifestyle changes.

One of many amenities that constitute a successful lifestyle and retirement village, is a clubhouse. The clubhouse is not a luxury, but it summarises how a happy and healthy lifestyle should be.

A clubhouse is, in fact, the hub of all recreational activities under one roof. It is a place where each member of the family can find their space. It usually consists of a library, restaurant, chapel, gym, conference room and possibly a heated swimming pool and a hair & beauty salon. Apart from this, in many of the modern designs, there are outdoor courts. A one-roof solution for all recreation and fitness activities of a community.

Clubhouses are a great way to socialise. Since these clubhouses provide a common area to gather and engage in activities, it often brings people together. Moreover, it makes socialising pretty much easier without even going out of the gates of the community where you live.

For fitness enthusiasts, clubhouses are a great deal. This is where the gyms usually fit in. Most lifestyle and retirement villages come with a world-class gymnasium. With modern and good pieces of equipment, it helps in remaining fit and healthy.

Yet another advantage of having a spacious clubhouse is that it contains event holding spaces. Usually, there will be large open areas in a clubhouse which is used for gatherings and various social events.

For residents who enjoy reading, a library eliminates the need to go out of the estate in search of public reading spaces.

A clubhouse in a retirement village is a place which fosters community living. It brings people out of their homes and enables them to form part of a greater community.

These days people are more selective when it comes to buying a retirement home. Buyers are on the lookout for many factors and of course all of these factors together contribute to the value of their purchase. One such factor is the availability of a clubhouse. It has turned from a luxury to a necessity and thus an elementary part of retirement village living.

Shire Retirement Properties (Pty) Ltd (Shire) is based in the Western Cape Province of South Africa and specialises in the provision of a range of services focused exclusively on the retirement industry. To view the villages that Shire is involved with, click here.

WORKING FROM HOME COULD IMPACT YOUR RETIREMENT PLAN

Working from home could impact your retirement plan

WellCents wrote:

“If you’re working from home during the pandemic, and the “new normal” becomes permanent, you should contemplate how this change could affect your retirement strategy.

First, it’s important to consider the difference between working from home (WFH) and working from anywhere (WFA). In a WFH arrangement, employers may still expect workers to come to the office from time to time. But in a WFA arrangement, employees have the flexibility to live and work from wherever they choose.

A WFA scenario offers maximum freedom and may allow a worker to relocate to another part of the country (or even outside of it altogether) to take advantage of a lower cost of living.

WFA is not nearly as common as WFH. In 2019, few companies based in the U.S. offered WFA arrangements, with about 95% of remote employees required to work from a set location. However, Household Pulse Survey data collected by the U.S. Census Bureau shows that more than 35% of U.S. households have engaged in more frequent telework than prior to the COVID-19 crisis.

Remote Work Can Be a Retirement Game-Changer 

Working anywhere other than the office may reap significant cost savings for employees in a variety of areas, including:

  • Cheaper housing
  • Lower transportation costs
  • Fewer socializing and entertaining expenses
  • Reduced purchases and upkeep for work attire
  • Greater ability to handle child and adult caregiving duties

Retire sooner. With a substantial drop in housing or caregiving costs, you may find that you can retire sooner than you’d hoped. Taking advantage of a lower cost of living can bend the retirement timeline significantly. You may not have to move very far for this to make a big difference, particularly if your job requires you to reside in a major city, where the cost of just about everything is often much more expensive.

Work Longer. On the other hand, WFH may give some the flexibility and desire to continue working past retirement age. For example, if an employee has health or mobility limitations, working from home may make it easier to stay in the workforce longer. Additionally, employees nearing retirement may have parents who require assistance, and having the kind of flexibility that WFH or WFA affords them may allow them to fulfill their family obligations while remaining on the job.

The pandemic has created significant hardships and burdens for many families. The possibilities for continuing remote work may constitute a bright spot in the darkness.”

If sitting around just isn’t your thing, then retirement is the perfect time to live out the dreams you may have put on hold. Simply filling empty hours with pointless recreation may feel like the opposite of freedom for many of the 72 million U.S. baby boomers, who have worked their entire lives. Launching your own business may be your ideal “retirement lifestyle.” Here are some good reasons to start a business in retirement.

 

 

HOW RETIREMENT LIVING DEVELOPERS CAN DESIGN FOR INCLUSION OF THE VISUALLY IMPAIRED

How retirement living developers can design for inclusion of the visually impaired

Developing sophisticated retirement villages for a growing market is a specialist field. Retirement living developers need to understand the lifestyle, challenges and preferences of the aging population.

One of many challenges faced by the aging population is visual impairment.  Approximately one person in three has some form of vision-reducing eye disease by the age of 65. The most common causes of vision loss among the elderly are age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, cataract and diabetic retinopathy. Age-related macular degeneration is characterized by the loss of central vision.

Recently Jennifer Webster did a presentation at The Somerset Lifestyle and Retirement Village in Somerset West about age related visual degeneration and how one can adapt and use tools to assist in remaining independent for longer. Jennifer is the founder of Curable. Being visually impaired is a great bonus to sighted people who are wanting to design for inclusion. Jennifer has worked out some really unusual ways to navigate in physical spaces and digital platforms.

Jennifer Webster was diagnosed with Stargardts disease at the age of 10, a juvenile onset form of Macular Degeneration. She managed to complete mainstream schooling and has a BA Honours from Rhodes University. Married with grown up children she now spends her time helping to find solutions and encouraging others along the journey of vision loss. Jennifer shared her own story and some of the joys and struggles of coming to terms with a visual impairment.

Jennifer also took the time to give us an overview on the design and decor of The Somerset and how it impacts anyone with low vision. To watch her feedback video, click here.

 

The development of retirement villages is a specialist field and Shire consultants complete the standard professional team of developers who are planning or executing new retirement developments. Click here for details of projects that Shire has contributed to.

HEADING FOR RETIREMENT?

Heading for retirement?

Heading for retirement?

A psychiatrist’s advice for maintaining wellbeing

Netcare Akeso – Media Release

Taking an active interest in maintaining general health and wellbeing in one’s golden years should include paying close attention to the connection between mental and physical health, memory and social connectedness.

This is according to Dr Ryan Fuller, a psychiatrist specialising in geriatric mental health – or mental health of the aged – and practising at the Memory Care units at Netcare Akeso Alberton and Netcare Akeso Parktown, who says that while retirement is intended to be a period of relaxation, this major life change can in fact be an enormous stressor, possibly triggering a decline in one’s mental as well as physical health.

“When people retire they often experience what we call existential angst, feeling a sense of dread brought on by what they may view as a loss of identity. It is also unfortunately the case that few people plan adequately for retirement, which contributes towards stress levels,” Dr Fuller says.

“We see a significant increase in the mortality rate amongst retired men in particular, who tend to experience weakened immune systems and whose physical health may deteriorate when they stop working. It is often recommended that men should not retire fully for this reason.”

Dr Fuller notes that physical factors such as chronic diseases including high blood pressure or diabetes can also contribute towards mental health concerns by placing individuals at risk of vascular dementia, brought on by damage to the brain’s blood vessels caused by a stroke, for example.

“The best thing you can do for yourself in your golden years is to commit to making consistent daily efforts in maintaining a lifestyle which supports overall health and wellbeing,” he says.

What’s good for the heart is good for the brain

Fuller’s advice is to keep it simple and stick to the basics of good health.

“What is good for the heart is also good for the brain, so if you are eating healthily, being physically active, getting enough sleep, limiting alcohol intake and avoiding smoking, you are working from a good baseline. Simply going for a 20 minute walk each day has been shown to benefit every aspect of your health, provided you are walking somewhere safe.

“When it comes to nutrition, eating a Mediterranean diet that includes plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables, healthy fats, whole grains and very little red meat is by far the most sensible way to look after your heart. Regular hydration is essential and is often a problem area amongst elderly individuals, who may have mobility issues and therefore avoid drinking to limit visits to the bathroom. This is not a good idea, as it is vital to drink at least 1.5L to 2L of hydrating fluid daily. This also means avoiding too much caffeine as this is a diuretic.

Stay busy, keep learning and be social

For boosting the mind, Dr Fuller advises keeping a hand written diary, as the process of writing is good for memory. “Engaging in activities such as knitting or needlework, adult colouring books, listening to your favourite music, doing puzzles, sudoku and word searches are all good for cognition. It is very important to try new things such as learning a language or skill to continue cognitive development,” he says.

“Keep things short and sweet – you need spend no more than 15 to 20 minutes on such tasks. It is important that you enjoy what you are doing and that you don’t find it stressful. Playing Bridge is one of the best things you can do for your mind as this includes a social element as well. Getting out into the world and socialising in person is an important form of cognitive stimulation and highly beneficial for mental health.

“For those who enjoy short bursts of digital interaction there are some useful apps available, such as Lumosity for cognitive exercise and Calm for helping with stress and sleeping, though too much screen time is not advisable, as an excess of blue light can cause insomnia.

“On that note, it is important to get enough uninterrupted sleep without the use of sleeping pills, as long term use of this type of medication is a risk factor for dementia. Exercise and cognitive activity during the day are important for becoming naturally tired and ready to sleep at night.

“Freud said that to be happy, humans need someone to love, to be loved and something to do. Jung took this one step further by saying that what we do must be meaningful – whether this is in a spiritual or personal sense, it must generate some kind of personal satisfaction.

“Paying attention to mental health should be a part of daily life, no matter your age, and it is certainly an important aspect of ageing well. Just as you practice habits like flossing your teeth, you should do daily mental exercises. And just as you would visit your GP for any physical concerns, it is important to be proactive and reach out for mental help when going through a stressful time or a major life change, such as retirement,” concludes Dr Fuller.

 

TYPES OF PROPERTY OWNERSHIP IN RETIREMENT

Types of property ownership in retirement

IOL’s Palesa Tlholoe, wrote the following article in the April 2022 edition of Money Mag. Palesa wrote:

“Retirement villages are governed by the Housing Development Scheme for Retired Persons Act, which imposes certain conditions on developers and residents. There are four types of ownership, with some developments based on one type and others offering a choice between two or more types:

  1. Freehold title

This is essentially the same as owning a freestanding home, with the same rights, expenses and responsibilities, except that, because the home is within a gated community setting, there will be a monthly levy to cover services such as maintenance of the common areas, security, catering and healthcare. Some developments will retain a certain portion of the profits on resale, as a way of subsidising the levies owners pay.

  1. Sectional title

This is similar to sectional title in a non-retirement development, where rates, insurance and maintenance of the complex is funded by a monthly levy. The scheme will have a board of trustees and a body corporate, through which all owners have a say in decision-making. As with a freehold title scheme, the developer carries no responsibility for the ongoing maintenance and cost management aspects once the development has been built; the onus falls on the owners or residents to do so.

  1. Life right

You buy the right to live in a dwelling for your life and that of your spouse – you don’t actually own physical property. There are no legal costs, transfer duties or other taxes payable. You may dispose of your life right or it will be sold on your death, in which case you or your estate will, depending on the contract, receive the purchase price plus a percentage (say, 30%) of the profit. When a life right transfers to a spouse on the death of the first[1]dying spouse, it does not form part of the first[1]dying spouse’s estate. Residents, who pay a monthly levy to cover running costs, enjoy similar privileges to those in sectional title homes; the developer, however, remains the sole owner and is responsible for the upkeep of the village.

  1. Share block.

Under this structure, which is now less common, the complex is registered in the name of a shareblock company, and each unit is allotted a certain number of shares in the company. You purchase shares, which give you the right to use a flat, cottage or townhouse and the complex’s facilities, but you do not own your dwelling. There is typically an AGM at which shareholders elect directors to the board. Directors meet throughout the year to discuss how the property is to be managed. Shareholders pay levies that cover operating costs, including maintenance and insurance. If you decide to sell, you need to sell your shares in the property and cede your rights to occupy the unit.”

To continue reading the rest of the article, click here.

Ever wondered when is the right time to move into a retirement village? Click here to find out.

When is the right time to move into a retirement village?

When is the right time to move into a retirement village?

Money Mag’s Martin Hesse wrote in the April 2022 issue: “WHEN’S THE RIGHT TIME TO MOVE INTO A RETIREMENT VILLAGE?”

“Moving into a retirement community is a big decision for retirees and their families, and there are many considerations to take into account.

Retirement villages offer the advantages of independent living in your own space, without the time-consuming maintenance of your own home and there is anecdotal evidence that such a lifestyle even boosts your life expectancy, thanks to the amenities they offer.

But how do you know the time is right to make such a move? And once this decision has been made, how do you choose the accommodation best for you? This is a very subjective decision and one that is often taken when people’s health starts to fail. The vast majority of people leave it later than they should. The increase in stress levels of moving home is directly proportional to the age of the mover. Everyone handles stress differently, so this is not a universal law, but moving at 65 is generally far less stressful than moving home at 75. One needs to be proactive and understand that age-related illnesses come upon one suddenly. The retiring baby-boomer generation is more proactive in this regard and there are more people moving into mature lifestyle villages in their late 50s early 60s, which is the ideal time, bearing in mind modern villages cater for an active lifestyle.

CONSIDERATIONS FOR MOVING

  • Physical health: In later life, the importance of being able to access medical care quickly and easily while not breaking the bank, will become a priority, so having healthcare facilities and trained professionals close at hand means that you will be able to enjoy your golden years without worrying unduly about these unforeseen eventualities.
  • Mental health: Loneliness, boredom and social isolation become a reality as you age, particularly if you’re stuck behind high walls in the suburbs, nursing a spouse, or no longer able to drive. Retirement villages however are home to vibrant communities of elderly people who are keen to make new friendships, to stay active, and even to learn new skills.
  • Home and garden maintenance: Cooking, cleaning and gardening all get much more difficult as you age, and keeping up with home maintenance can be both onerous and costly. In modern retirement villages, professional teams take care of home maintenance, gardening, healthcare, housekeeping, laundry, and catering.
  • Security: At most professionally run retirement villages, 24-hour security is part of the package. And if you do go away on holiday, you can simply lock up and go, knowing your home is safe and secure.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT VILLAGE

It is advisable for prospective purchasers to visit at least five villages to make comparisons and also to draw up a comprehensive list of questions that should be satisfactorily answered by the salesperson. The list will be long but should always start with security, which is paramount. A wall or electrified fence and gatehouse alone are not sufficient. Security should include 24/7 CCTV monitoring of the fence line in a professionally operated control room with an armed response back-up.

Other questions to ask relate to health-care provision, the monthly levy and what it covers, community life and facilities, and the financial strength of the body corporate. Buyers must obviously also check that prices and payment options suit their budgets.

INDEPENDENCE WITHIN A COMMUNITY

Many senior living communities are aware that retired people don’t want to give up their independence; they simply want a structure that is beneficial to their needs and lifestyle. Retirement neighbourhoods can use technology, expert service providers, and a wealth of options for living, eating, enjoying exercise and entertainment to ensure that residents are independent and happy. On the other hand, living in a retirement community lessens isolation, provides security, companionship and care, and this has especially been the case during Covid restrictions, which have seen older people facing intense isolation. Living in a senior community can help residents create relationships with peers, carers, and service providers, and feel less alone. Many senior living communities allow pets, or in other cases, certain types of pets such as one small dog. Some facilities may offer care for pets if residents cannot care for their pets alone.

HEALTH BENEFITS

Enjoying leisure activities with friends, such as playing bridge or participating in a book club, have been found to protect cognitive skills. Physical activity, such as walking and hiking, gardening or yoga, is one of the most important things you can do for your health. Senior living communities also reduce the incidence of falls, one of the leading causes of injury and death. The likelihood of a fall going unnoticed in a senior community is low, as well-lit and clutter-free living areas prevent falls, and exercise and physical therapy can reduce their instances and severity.

MEDICAL CARE AND AMENITIES

Before choosing a senior living community, you should assess the level and quality of healthcare the community provides. Is there a frail care section? Does it have intermediate assisted-living accommodation? You should also confirm the community’s procedures in the event of an emergency, their disaster preparedness, and which hospitals will be used if admission is necessary. This will help ensure a person receives the right level of care and can avoid revisions to their routines after they move in.”

To read the full article, click here.

Retiring may be the hardest part about retirement. It’s not unusual to get cold feet. But you don’t want to work forever either, so what do you do? Here are some coping tips to get you over the hump. To read more, click here.

A POSITIVE ENVIRONMENT FOR RESIDENTS AND FUTURE BUYERS IS KEY TO CREATE A HAPPY ESTATE

A positive environment for residents and future buyers is key to create a happy estate

Estate Living’s Zeenat Moosa Hassan wrote:

“Creating a happy estate community is essential. Happy residents enhance the estate’s reputation creating greater demand for homes which pushes up property values.

Here are five things that can help make your estate a happier one:

  1. Don’t underestimate the value of the happy hormone

Location and price will always be the most important factors for buyers, but the community spirit (gees) is an important factor too.  If buyers have ticked the location and price box, then amenities and facilities which foster community and inclusivity can often be the deciding factor.

Allocate a decent budget for community-led projects, and give the task of researching, implementing, and reviewing their effectiveness to a dedicated individual or team.

  1. Start with the basics

Buyers are attracted to estates that offer

  • amenities,
  • good security,
  • privacy and
  • a comfortable lifestyle.

These are core non-negotiables so make sure you don’t neglect them in your pursuit of community inclusivity.

Estates fortunate enough to have onsite facilities such as community centres, gyms, pools, restaurants, and sports amenities are in high demand because they offer a more relaxed and carefree lifestyle for the whole family. Mangers should do all they can to keep these facilities in optimal condition.

Post Covid-19 buyers and residents are also prioritising other comforts too. Many residents are now realising they can do business without having to commute daily to and from offices or sit for hours in traffic. To offer them the perfect lifestyle and happiness, things like having exceptional fibre to the home offering is essential.

  1. Focus on green spaces

Research shows that spending just twenty minutes outdoors a day, especially in green spaces, is one of the fastest ways to improve health and happiness.

Buyers want to buy into an estate that is beautiful and well managed. Western Cape estates have outdone themselves with gardens, water features, streams, walking paths and in some cases even vegetable gardens. Buyers are very excited by this, so it really is a no brainer.

Similarly, estates that are self-sustainable and offer energy and water security are quickly becoming the ones to watch when it comes to creating that happy, feel-good atmosphere.

  1. One size doesn’t fit all

Creating inclusivity can be challenging on a larger estate with different residents from different backgrounds and ages, but it isn’t impossible. Some of the larger estates hosts numerous community centres, each appealing to a different portion of the estate community.

By segmenting amenities and facilities, management can easily notice gaps in their service offering.

  1. Communication is key

Creating and maintaining a culture of open and transparent engagement is one of the best ways of understanding the needs of residents and making them feel valued.”

To continue reading the rest of this article, click here.

Longevity gifts us with more years and choices that need to be made around life, work, and family. In our parents’ generation the establishment of “old age” homes and nursing facilities were a choice many made as part of their plan beyond their working life. The next generation, known to many as the baby boomers are now aged 56 to 74. They have many more options and choices. To find out more, click here.

THE 20 FASTEST GROWING JOBS IN THE NEXT DECADE

The 20 Fastest Growing Jobs in the Next Decade

On 13 September 2021, visualcapitalist.com published ‘The 20 Fastest Growing Jobs in the Next Decade’ written by Jenna Ross:

“How is the Job Market Shifting Over the Next Decade?

The employment landscape is constantly shifting. While agricultural jobs played a big role in the 19th century, a large portion of U.S. jobs today are in administration, sales, or transportation. So how can job seekers identify the fastest growing jobs of the future?

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects there will be 11.9 million new jobs created from 2020 to 2030, an overall growth rate of 7.7%. However, some jobs have a growth rate that far exceeds this level. In this graphic, we use BLS data to show the fastest growing jobs.

We used the dataset that excludes occupations with above average cyclical recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. For example, jobs such as motion picture projectionists, ticket takers, and restaurant cooks were removed. Once these exclusions were made, the resulting list reflects long-term structural growth.

Here are the fastest growing jobs from 2020 to 2030, along with the number of jobs that will be created and the median pay for the position.

Occupation Percent employment change, 2020–2030P Numeric employment change, 2020-2030P Median annual wage, 2020
Wind turbine service technicians 68.2% 4,700 $56,230
Nurse practitioners 52.2% 114,900 $111,680
Solar photovoltaic installers 52.1% 6,100 $46,470
Statisticians 35.4% 14,900 $92,270
Physical therapist assistants 35.4% 33,200 $59,770
Information security analysts 33.3% 47,100 $103,590
Home health and personal care aides 32.6% 1,129,900 $27,080
Medical and health services managers 32.5% 139,600 $104,280
Data scientists and mathematical science occupations, all other 31.4% 19,800 $98,230
Physician assistants 31.0% 40,100 $115,390

Nine of the top 20 fastest growing jobs are in healthcare or related fields, as the baby boomer population ages and chronic conditions are on the rise. Home health and personal care aides, who assist with routine healthcare tasks such as bathing and feeding, will account for over one million new jobs in the next decade. This will be almost 10% of all new jobs created between 2020 and 2030. Unfortunately, these workers are the lowest paid on the list.”

We ask ourselves, how does this picture unfold in South Africa, and the answer is similar to the article written by Jenna Ross.

According to logicpublishers.com : Jobs That Will Be In Demand In The Next 5-10 Years In South Africa (4May 2021)

“Since technology and the rest of the world are advancing rapidly, it can be hard to know how the labour market will look like in the next five to ten years. Fortunately, according to the current progress, specific jobs with growth potential have become supreme contenders.

  1. Software Developer

A software developer is one of the fastest-growing jobs with best outlook. Unless you have been lying under a rock for the last 20 years, you already know the vast roles these professionals play in everyday life.

  1. Medical And Health Service Manager

A medical and health service manager role is one of the most-demanding jobs in the next 5-10 years. The healthcare industry is extensive and complicated and providing care for patients is only part of the job. A medical service manager’s role is to collect payments, schedule appointments, keep medical records and coordinate with other care providers.

  1. Post-secondary Teacher

A post-secondary teacher is one of the best careers for the future as people seek advanced education from every part of the world. College professors provide the final transitional resources between young adults and the real world. Students attend college to earn practical skills in their profession hence the importance of a post-secondary teacher. One of the most amazing things about this career choice is that it is something that one is passionate about. It is flexible and pays well.

  1. Nurse Practitioner

A nursing practitioner is a registered nurse with advanced training in primary care services. This way, they can perform certain functions ordinarily done by doctors, such as ordering medication, lab test and x-rays. Considering the importance of health, a nurse practitioner is one of the most-demanded professions, which will likely grow.

  1. Financial Manager

If you are looking for a career that will give you excellent financial stability, then one as a financial manager is one of the best. Remember that every firm, regardless of its size, requires someone to handle the money. And big business procures the services of a financial manager that is among the best-paying high-demand jobs in the next 5-10 years. Financial managers create reports and assist in directing the organization’s long-term financial goals.

  1. Solar Photovoltaic Installers

As the world is going green, people are looking for renewable and sustainable energy solutions, and solar panels are one of the most popular. This has resulted in great demand for solar photovoltaic installers that promises a good salary. These professionals install solar panel systems according to the client’s needs and specifications.

  1. Wind Turbine Technicians

With a post-secondary non-degree award and sufficient on-the-job training, you can become a professional wind turbine technician. The profession is amongst the best career for the next ten years as people are going for renewable energy. Wind turbine installers install and maintain renewable energy systems.

  1. Personal Care Aides

Personal care aides are one of the most influential people in the health care profession. They serve the population requiring extra assistance with their daily living requirements. However, people in this profession concentrate more on non-medical services. Regular duties include meal planning, preparation, dressing, bathing, housekeeping duties and many more.

  1. Statisticians

A statistician is one of the fastest growing jobs with a bachelor’s degree. What does a statistician do? They analyze and apply data in a wide array of fields. Since they hold advanced knowledge in statistical interpretation, they are an integral piece of government research institutions and other firms.

  1. Physical Therapist Assistants

A physical therapist’s aide role is to assist the physical therapist with the patient’s appointment and set up equipment for upcoming meetings, among numerous other functions. The responsibilities also vary by the area of practice. One can secure a job in residential care facilities, private physical therapy offices or via government services.

  1. Bicycle Repairers

In recent years, people have discovered the importance of bicycle riding to their health and are adopting the culture. The prevalence of the practice has contributed to the rising demand for bicycle repairers. Ordinarily, bicycle repair technicians assess and solve maintenance issues of bicycles regardless of their complexity. Such professionals find employment in bike shops, sporting goods stores, non-profit organizations and other areas.

  1. Occupational Therapy Assistants

Have you ever thought of a career in occupational therapy? It is one of the best careers for the next ten years, considering the growing demand for occupational therapy. As the name suggests, an occupational therapy assistant aids the therapist with specific duties like stretching, rehabilitative exercises and many more.

  1. Informational Security Analyst

An informational security analyst is one of the most promising careers to pursue, considering the direction the world is taking. The development of technology and its adoption in various aspects of people’s lives has created a significant risk that information system analysts must review. A big part of this job is protecting computer networks and systems from cybercrime. Therefore, these professionals will install antivirus software and other safeguards to protect information.

  1. Accountants And Auditors

Whatever business you are in, you require your financial records to be in good order. One needs to learn if their business is making a profit or loss. That is where accountants come in – they help manage a business’s accounts, including taxes.

  1. Management Analysts (a.k.a. Consultants)

Managers always seek solutions to problems, and it is the analyst’s role, popularly known as the consultant, to make this happen. It is one of the best jobs with growth potential and with an excellent annual income. A management analyst is required to provide revenue increasing and cost-cutting solutions to make a firm more profitable. The profession pays pretty well, but it requires frequent travelling.

  1. Construction Managers

Construction managers are responsible for erecting new structures that are cropping up everywhere in a business-oriented environment. A construction manager is in charge of a construction project and ought to make all the operational decisions.

  1. Dental Hygienist

Dentists are integral in oral healthcare, and it is one of the most demanding jobs in the next 10 years. Everyone requires dental services at some point in their lives, so it is a demanding job.

  1. Civil Engineers

Civil engineers are vital to a country’s growth and citizen’s well-being. They are responsible for ascertaining that people have access to clean water in numerous circumstances like after a hurricane.

  1. Computer System Analyst

As the name suggests, a computer system analyst is responsible for all the computer-related activities in a firm. Firms usually have more than one computer systems analyst with different roles and a manager overseeing their operation. This is one of the most promising careers since all significant firms have computer systems.”

Shire is proud to be part of Project Scaffold.

Project Scaffold has been developed as a voluntary pilot programme that will gather and test results from ten participating frail care facilities to pave the way towards a new dispensation. The main objective is to develop a home-like environment that is person-centred and more affordable. We, like many countries abroad, believe that hospital-like care needs to make way for person-focused care. Project Scaffold, although not a crisis management tool, hopes to facilitate the sharing of best practices within the sector throughout the duration of the project.

A Care Transformation Toolkit (CTT) has been compiled for the use of those care centres selected to participate in Project Scaffold.

Support is available on request from the following participants:

1. Syd Eckley (Consult Age), a gerontologist and social worker who will mainly be responsible for assessing compliance in terms of Act 13/06.
2. Rob Jones (Shire), an experienced consultant on retirement living and associated services, including care.
3. Magda Pienaar & Yolandé Brand (true2you), specialising in facilitating the creation and/or implementation of person-directed care and organisational cultures.

To read more about Project Scaffold, click here.

EMPOWERED DIRECT CARE STAFF: LESSONS FROM THE GREEN HOUSE STAFFING MODEL

Empowered Direct Care Staff: Lessons from the Green House Staffing Model

Susan C. Reinhard, Edem Hado, Barbara Bowers, Susan Ryan & Marla DeVries, wrote on 19 January 2022, for AARP: LTSS Choices: Empowered Direct Care Worker: Lessons from the Green House Staffing Model

“Green House homes, an alternative to traditional nursing homes, are best known for being smaller structures with just 10 to 12 residents that have the look and feel of a “real home.” But they also fundamentally differ in their workforce model, which is designed to improve the quality of work life for all staff, but particularly for the Shahbazim—the Green House home’s direct care team of certified nursing assistants.

The staffing model is unique and fundamental to Green House’s philosophy and results in positive outcomes for residents and workers alike. A national evaluation of the Green House model demonstrated that Green House homes consistently perform in the top tier of nursing homes on clinical/health outcomes of residents. (They have also fared much better than traditional nursing homes during the pandemic, with fewer COVID-19 cases and deaths.)

This report highlights those unique features, particularly the extra training and responsibilities that the direct care workers/Shahbazim receive. The coaching, supervision, and collaborative roles among the Shahbazim, Green House Guides, and nurses are starkly different from those found in traditional nursing homes and result in, among other benefits, significantly lower staff turnover rates.

Empowered Direct Care Staff: Shahbazim

The Green House model empowers the Shahbazim (singular Shahbaz, which also means “universal worker”) by focusing on key staff development areas such as enhanced training, consistent staffing, engagement and collaboration, and shared decision making.

  • Enhanced training. Unlike traditional direct care workers, Shahbazim have an additional 128 hours of specialized training in such areas as emergency preparedness, dementia care, and culinary skills including food safety and handling as well as “soft skills” such as communication.
  • Universal workers. Shahbazim work as a self-managed team of universal workers to respond to residents’ needs. They are trained to provide a full range of services and supports, including personal care, laundry, housekeeping, and meal preparation (which allows residents to enjoy favorite foods, rather than just what’s on the menu.).
  • Consistent staffing. The Green House staffing structure is designed to operate like a family, where workers are consistent and are intimately involved in residents’ lives. This leads to strong bonds between Shahbazim and both residents and their families and is fundamental to achieving a better quality of life for residents and staff.
  • The Guide. As the formal supervisor of the Shahbazim, the Guide is responsible for ensuring Shahbazim meet federal requirements for nursing homes, adhere to the organization’s values and procedures, and honor the Green House model. The Guide ensures high-level collaboration between Shahbazim, nurses, and other clinical support team members.
  • Engagement and collaboration between Shahbazim and nurses. The Green House staffing model operates through an ongoing collaborative/team relationship between Shahbazim and nurses, with the role of the Green House Guide serving to supervise the self-managed work team of Shahbazim. This frees nurses to be mentors and teachers, and to focus on clinical care.
  • Shared decision making. Shahbazim are equipped with problem-solving and decision-making skills and tools as part of their training. Leadership staff work with them to ensure decisions are value based, align with current regulations, reinforce quality care standards, and honor the resident voice.
  • A unique model of leadership. Green House Guides, nurses, other department managers, and additional leaders practice a coaching approach to supporting the Shahbazim with five elements: creates a valued relationship; presents an issue (for the Shahbazim to work through); gathers information to understand the nature of the issue; engages in problem solving with the Shahbazim; develops a plan of action and evaluation measures with the Shahbazim.
  • Shahbazim feedback in assessing the organizational practices. Each year, Shahbazim and other team members participate in an online assessment to evaluate the application of the Green House model in day-to-day practices.

Conclusion

It is also important to note that fairly compensating front-line caregivers is vital— regardless of whether they work in a Green House community. Historically low wages and thin benefits have forced many CNAs and other nursing home staff members to accept multiple jobs to make ends meet.

Finally, even if nursing home operators do not intend to alter their housing structures, they must examine their staffing model. Given the current workforce crisis, it is time to rethink traditional staffing models. Lessons learned from the Green House model can guide new thinking. Nursing homes can avail themselves of support from the Green House Project in order to apply the Green House principles.”

To read the full article, click here.

Founded in 2010 by Rob Jones  in response to a clear need in the South African retirement industry for specialist independent consultants, Shire Retirement Properties is focused exclusively on the retirement industry. To contact us, click here.

Project Scaffold: Revising the approach to Care Services within the older population of South Africa

 We are excited to share with you Project Scaffold. Work commenced last year to address the need to urgently explore a new approach to care services in South Africa. The development of Project Scaffold was a huge effort, involving several specialists.

What became clear is that especially frail care services require urgent restructuring. Never in our history has this sector been so close to total collapse, with reports of over 50% of available beds open and many facilities closing.

The sector must take the initiative to explore a lasting solution and cannot wait on Government for assistance. We believe that serving your own clients the best way possible, rests largely with you.

Project Scaffold has been developed as a voluntary pilot programme that will gather and test results from ten participating frail care facilities to pave the way towards a new dispensation. The main objective is to develop a home-like environment that is person-centred and more affordable. We, like many countries abroad, believe that hospital-like care needs to make way for person-focused care. Project Scaffold, although not a crisis management tool, hopes to facilitate the sharing of best practices within the sector throughout the duration of the project.

A Care Transformation Toolkit (CTT) has been compiled for the use of those care centres selected to participate in Project Scaffold.

Support is available on request from the following participants:

1. Syd Eckley (Consult Age), a gerontologist and social worker who will mainly be responsible for assessing compliance in terms of Act 13/06.
2. Rob Jones (Shire), an experienced consultant on retirement living and associated services, including care.
3. Magda Pienaar & Yolandé Brand (true2you), specialising in facilitating the creation and/or implementation of person-directed care and organisational cultures.

Please note that all participants in Project Scaffold undertake to share findings with the team leaders and other participating organisations. This is very important because the information gathered will ultimately be used to lobby the Department of Social Development for amendment of existing norms and standards.

It is our belief that true transformation of the care sector must come from ground level upwards. Operation Scaffold will seek to simultaneously promote and enhance self-regulation and also to help open new forms of care service, ensuring quality and affordable care for as many people as possible.

Once you have embraced and adopted the programme, you and your team take full ownership and are able to drive it forward either independently (in terms of completing the various steps and maintaining your own identity and intellectual property), and/or to make use of the Project Scaffold team’s services – at your own discretion.

Should you have any questions feel free to contact any of the team members. See full contact details below.

Hope to see you soon as part of the Project Scaffold adventure!

Greetings

Project Scaffold Team

  • Project Scaffold Admin: Anneke Liebenberg – projectscaffold2021@gmail.com / (072) 349 8395
  • Consult Age: Syd Eckley – sydlynne@telkomsa.net
  • Shire Retirement Properties (Pty) Ltd.: Rob Jones – rob@shireprop.com / (082) 658-1402
  • true2you (Pty) Ltd.: Yolandé Brand – yolande@true2you.co.za / (084) 940-8777
  • Magda Pienaar- magda@true2you.co.za / (062) 863-649

Click here for the Project Scaffold Guide

Click here for the Application Form

 

 

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