True 2 You

24/08/2025

Caring for others begins with caring for ourselves.
In our Inspiration Circles this month, aged care leaders from across South Africa shared powerful reflections on peer support, personal growth, and the value of honest conversations.

“Shared experiences are always inspiring and motivating.”
“I’m making more ‘me time’ at work.”
“I learned a new way to support families going through trauma.”

These circles offer pure peer support—a space to connect, reflect, and strengthen your wellbeing.

Ready to join a circle? Let’s grow together.
Contact me- magda@true2you.co.za

23/08/2025

I had to share this, please read ....

Posted by Michael Verde on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-verde/)

The future of dementia care isn’t about managing deficits—it’s about understanding how human beings actually connect and connecting with people with dementia accordingly.

Breakthrough neuroscience research reveals something remarkable: when two people are truly present with each other, their entire nervous systems literally synchronize.

Strong neural coupling dramatically improves communication and understanding. When this synchrony breaks down, meaningful connection vanishes entirely.

For dementia care, this changes everything…

“We’ve been approaching care with an overly individualistic model of cognition. Research shows that while cognitive processing occurs in individual brains, our thinking, feeling, and remembering are fundamentally social - deeply embedded in relationships in ways we often don’t recognize.”

The right brain regions that enable deep connection often remain intact during dementia progression.

This means someone with dementia isn’t a “broken brain” needing management—they’re a full partner in creating what emerges between two nervous systems.

The implications are profound:
• Staff become relationship partners, not just task-completers
• Emotional regulation happens through human connection, not just medication
• Dignity is maintained through shared capacity, not despite cognitive changes
• “Behavioral incidents” often signal failed connection, not character flaws
• Being “non-verbal” does not mean being beyond meaningful communication

While the aged care sector faces significant workforce retention challenges, organizations that incorporate the practices of deep connecting in a system of supportive attention will attract and retain staff in ways that task-focused, box-ticking models do not and never will.

The science is clear: healing AND meaning happens in the quality of connection BETWEEN people.

When we create genuine relationships with people who have dementia, we don’t just provide better care—we discover shared capacities that neither person could access alone.

We realize who WE are, together.

This isn’t about being “nicer.” This is not about personalizing care, as desirable as that may be.

It’s about recognizing that caring for a human being’s personhood includes—centrally, deeply, morally—being in a genuinely meaningful relationship with them.

The relational revolution in dementia care has begun.

Why?

Because human consciousness about what a person needs to feel like a person has outgrown the prevailing paradigm of care in the dementia field.

Managing behaviors is not enough.

The future that is now involves creating interpersonal environments in which residents and carers feel genuinely seen and heard.

The real question is which people and organizations will lead what is emerging and which will follow from behind?

14/08/2025

Yesterday we celebrated the end of a wonderful 6-session training and development series with the amazing Careserv and Helderberg Society for the Aged care staff. Over these weeks we shared stories, asked questions, laughed together — and discovered how much our own dignity and wellbeing matter, too.
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who showed up with such openness and dedication. And thank you for the beautiful flowers that touched my heart.
You make a difference every day.

05/08/2025

A monthly peer support space for leaders committed to the wellbeing and dignity of older persons. People that give me hope and make a difference in our world!

Interested? Contact Magda at magda@true2you.co.za

05/08/2025

Learning about Dementia – Growing together

Over the past two sessions, we explored how to communicate more effectively and connect meaningfully with people living with dementia. We also deepened our understanding of how to support someone when they become upset — with empathy, calm, and confidence.

What stands out is the unwavering enthusiasm of the employees from the Helderberg Society for the Aged and the Careserv team at Robari Lodge. Even after five months of learning together, your passion to understand more and do better has not faded.

Thank you for everything you do — every day — to support older individuals, their families, and each other. You're making a difference.

02/07/2025

“Always supported and appreciated.”
“Always good to connect with like-minded colleagues who understand.”

These words came from nursing managers who joined last month’s second Inspiration Circle – an online reflective peer space for leaders in residential aged care.
We were privileged to welcome a special guest, Tracey Parsons a social worker with years of experience in palliative care who is now adding a new chapter to her story – this time as a coach. Her grounded presence and generous insights sparked rich, honest conversation about how we care – for others, and for ourselves.
In the midst of heavy responsibilities, these sessions offer a much-needed space to pause, connect, and draw strength from others walking a similar path.

If you’re a leader in residential aged care looking for a space to connect, reflect, and grow alongside others who truly understand the challenges and importance of this work – you are warmly invited to join us next time.

27/06/2025

Understanding Dementia – Staff development & education session

This month, the Careserv (catering) at Robari Lodge and Helderberg Society for the Aged (care) teams came together for the third joint session on Understanding Dementia — building awareness around the small things we can do every day to support people living with dementia with dignity and respect.

Together, we explored how small actions like:
- Speaking calmly and clearly
- Using eye contact and a warm smile
- Approaching from the front
- Involving the person wherever possible
- Never arguing — but meeting them in their reality
- and many more

…can make a big difference in someone’s day and make them feel safe.

Thank you to all who took part. Your presence, openness, and care help make aged care communities feel like home. 💙

26/06/2025

“Informative, fun and inspiring.”
“Inspired by the passion these leaders have for the industry they serve.”

That’s how some of the managers described our latest Inspiration Circle – a monthly online peer session for leaders in aged care.

It’s a chance to connect with others who get it, share experiences, and take a moment to reflect and recharge.

If you're managing in aged care, this space is for you too.

Send us a message if you’d like to join the next one.

12/06/2025

Feeling proud of the Careserv catering team!

Over the past three months, during our monthly sessions, this team has truly embraced the opportunity to grow—engaging thoughtfully in conversations about dementia, sharing their insights, and showing a willingness to learn more about themselves and each other.

They’ve reminded us that everyone in a care environment plays a role in supporting dignity and wellbeing—not just for residents, but for themselves too.

Raising awareness and building understanding is the first step towards creating a more person-directed, compassionate environment—one meal, one moment, one conversation at a time.

Well done, Careserv team. You’re making a difference.

12/06/2025

04/06/2025

Inspiration Circle: Pure Peer Support for Leaders

"Always inspiring and good to know I'm not alone in this journey – and experiences shared with others in similar positions – especially those more experienced than me – provide real opportunities for growth."

This reflection from last month’s Inspiration Circle captures the heart of what we’re about.

- Real conversations on real challenges — each month, we focus on a topic chosen by our members.
- Genuine connection with others who get it.
- Growth through shared experience and insight.

The Inspiration Circle is a space just for leaders — no agenda beyond your own growth and wellbeing, supported by peers.

Want to be part of the next one? Get in touch or comment below.
magda@true2you.co.za

27/05/2025

Real voices. Real reflections.
During our second Understanding Dementia session, Careserv employees shared heartfelt takeaways that remind us what it means to walk alongside someone living with dementia — with patience, love, and self-care.

From learning how to respond in stressful moments, to understanding the importance of filling your own cup first — their words speak volumes.

Here are a few reflections that stayed with us…