C.W.A.C. DAY CARE CENTRE: MONTHLY REPORT APRIL – MAY

1. Members

DESCRIPTION NUMBER
Full time 19
Part time 0
Casual 0
New members (Jan 2021 – April 2021) 2
Member resignations (Jan 2021 – April 2021) 1

• We had 2 new members join us in the beginning of the year: Asamahle and Tine. One of these members (Asamahle) attended for a month and stopped thereafter due to personal and financial reasons. The other new member (Tine) is well settled in.
• We have not had any recent admissions; however, we have had many calls and enquiries about the Centre. The Centre Manager has meetings with potential parents in the upcoming week.
• Member Assessments: each member at CWAC has undergone a full individual OT assessment. These assessments are accessible and recorded in their individual files. The assessment consists of physical, sensory, cognitive, and functional elements. All notes are placed in their files.
• The members’ wheelchairs and buggies were reviewed, and it was found that many have inappropriate devices not conducive to their unique functioning. Each member is thus in the process of being evaluated for new wheelchairs/buggies. This is a long process and takes time. Currently 3 members devices have already been processed. Through individualised assessments and direct communication with seating specialists at Shonaquip and CE Mobility, the members will receive appropriate devices which are good for them. We have also arranged for a seating specialist to come in July 2021.
• Members have been provided with the new bibs obtained from Malamulele Onward. Eating is more efficient, and the members can move around easier as it is not as bulky as a towel.

2. Care Workers: Timetables and Training

• In February 2021, a new timetable was implemented for each Group to specifically cater for the specific needs of the members within their respective groups. All Care Workers (in their groups) were briefed on this timetable and the specific type of stimulation activities for level of functioning were discussed. Care Workers were encouraged to communicate if they experienced any challenges in the new implementation.
• The Care Workers were efficient and informed the Centre Manager of the difficulties they faced after a week trial. The timetable was then rearranged. Currently, the lack of resources for the respective groups impacts the stimulation programs, but we are appealing for specific donations.
• All Care Workers have been briefed on the importance and necessity of incident reports and protocol. Each Group has access to forms which are handed to the Centre Manager directly after an incident.
• Early in the year, Care Workers engaged in online zoom sessions on inclusion of PWDs (People With Disabilities) and how to engage with parents. This was stimulating and encouraged them to think out of the box.
• The Care Workers participated in CP specific training that provided them with the necessary skills to engage with the members in the most appropriate way and with the proper treatment and care. This is also beneficial to the MDT therapy, as now the Care Workers have a better understanding on evidence-based practice: why we do what we do and how we do it.
• All our Care Workers were actively involved and interactive in the training sessions and expressed sincere gratitude for the opportunity to learn and grow.

3. Therapists/Volunteers

• We have secured the volunteer services of various therapists/health care workers from different disciplines, including OT, Physio, Nutrition and SLT, for the benefit of the members. The younger Yellow Group (early intervention phase) has largely been the focus. The current idea is that each therapist sees a different member each time they come to the Centre.
• At present, members receive physio sessions either weekly or every 2 weeks and SLT is usually provided monthly. All therapists record their notes and keep them in the member’s individual file.
• A new strategy will be in place soon to involve the parents in the therapy process. Parents will be required to attend a once-a-month meeting with the Centre Manager for therapy feedback and home program suggestions. During therapy sessions, important aspects will be videoed and sent to parents so they may also follow it at home. This will ensure that parents are involved and can attempt to continue this at home, so therapy is maintained and uninterrupted.
• Since the implementation of new stimulation methods and activities, and through the various types of therapy being treated, several members have shown major improvement in their functioning.
• Many members were previously restricted in working on their improvement due to poor structuring of their environment. Through some adaptations though, some of the members have now been able to improve their activity engagement.

4. Outings/ Special Events/ Upcoming Events

• There are no new events being planned due to Covid restrictions.
• Currently member events take place when birthday parties are held for the members, and everyone shares cake, dances a bit, and socialises outside.

5. General

• We are now part of a platform where we can better advocate for people living with CP. This forms part of the district community forum for PWDs (Community Participation and Action Support Unit). It is also attended by other groups who advocate for various disabilities. This may also help us with DSD communication.
• Possible collaboration with Blind SA, which will help in exposure of, and support provided to, the KZNCPA. Blind SA is collaborating with UKZN and a university in Canada, where they would like to research the impact of Covid-19 on female children/adults between the ages of 10-20 years. They are in the process of building a network with different organisations to ensure meaningful collaboration. They plan to provide support to PWDs once the project is underway.