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St. Andrew's
Scots Kirk
"International - Interdenominational-and- Open to all" |
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| Netherlee Cottage |
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| St. Andrew’s has welcomed two new residents at Netherlee Cottage |
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| Shona Crosbie: |
| Volunteer (in residence) from Fenwick Parish Church |
| Netherlee Cottage Report – November 2011 |
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| The ladies all looked well and happy at the Bazaar, being very sociable with each other and also with others. Their confidence has increased and they enjoyed looking around the other stalls and purchasing personal items. |
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| When I arrived at Netherlee Cottage on Monday evening I was given a very warm welcome. The ladies were especially happy because they had been given a replacement TV (their own has been in for repair for two weeks). This has caused a few problems because it has upset some of the routine, which is vitally important to their functioning, and daily lives. |
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| Ranjani and Haamini seem to have settled in very well and are happy in the company of others, although, naturally a wee bit shy of a new person in their house. |
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| Anula is more settled and very self-confident since my last visit – her voice is stronger and she sings as she is carrying out tasks. |
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| Their daily routine follows a pattern of Ranjani and Haamini setting off for work at 0615. Haffila has found a new method of disposing of garbage – she gives both Ranjani and Haamini a small bag to dispose of at Mulleriyawa Hospital. |
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| Hafilla, Anula and Chandra carry out their house chores before breakfast. |
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| All three ladies who are in the house all day have a much better relationship with each other – the competition between them has gone, and they are happy to take an interest in what each other is doing without interfering. |
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| When Ranjani and Haamini come home at 1815, they are happy to go into the kitchen to do their chores, happily accepting guidance of what has to be done from staff. All five ladies are happy to be in the kitchen at the same time, working together. This is a very positive change, as previously they were very possessive about who should be in the kitchen at certain times. There is a more relaxed “family” atmosphere and lots of fun and laughter. |
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| Anula was eager to make the tablet, and did so with very little help, remembering the ingredients, and only having to be reminded about the timescales. She was also very patient when doing so, having previously wanted to do it as quickly as possible She is happy and relaxed, singing as she makes it and also receptive to Haffila and Chandra coming in to watch the progress. (This would previously have caused anxiety as Anula would have seen the others as encroaching on her space – it would also have made the others feel excluded) They are all now happy to work together while allowing each other to “do their own thing” |
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| There was great hilarity as we all sung “head and shoulders, knees and toes” together, and even more hilarity when I tried to sing it in Sinhala. There really is a more relaxed atmosphere in the house. This is also reflected in how the staff feels, as they are not having to anticipate so many behavioural issues. |
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| As always, Chandra and Haffila enjoy a manicure and hand massage, and Anula was also happy to be included for the hand massage. |
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| Outings from the house are still an ongoing issue for the three ladies who are at home all day. Progress is being made here too, with Haffila joining Haamini and Ranjani when they go to the local tailors shop to buy clothes. Anula continues to go to market every Wednesday morning, and while I was there, I took Chandra and Haffila to the pharmacy in Thalahena to buy various manicure items. Haffila was very helpful, both with my translation to Sinhala, and also ensuring my needs were met. i.e. did I need more bottled water? Haffila was happy to be able to purchase items independently, while Chandra had to be encouraged to spend her money on what she wanted to buy. |
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| Overall this was a very positive visit, watching how they have all progressed, and how well they have all bonded, making it very much a family home. |
