Although Sandra battled a dozen chronic conditions, our care team never lost sight of the person she really was, finding ways to support her faith and creative expression, to her very last day.
Originally from South Africa, Sandra adored her family including husband of more than 45 years, Marcel, two daughters, Tanya and Chata, and three grandchildren.
With very poor health and the loss of mobility, Sandra moved into HammondCare Caulfield. She was anxious about her deteriorating health and was often unable to leave her room.
One day at an exhibition of residents’ art Sandra was inspired to share some of her own paintings, even though she had said very little about being a talented artist, not to mention a champion dancer.
Pastoral Care Coordinator Amanda focused on getting to know Sandra better and soon they developed a strong connection, based in a common faith – Sandra was a Christian of Jewish background. They prayed and read Scripture together, ‘laughed and even cried together’, and soon Sandra was feeling much more at home.
‘Sandra was a beautiful person who loved people, often mentioning other residents and staff in her prayers. She loved to paint and delighted in sharing her paintings with others,’ Amanda said.
‘When she became unable to leave her bed, it seemed Sandra’s painting days might be over. But together we found a way. Sandra told me what she needed to keep painting, and I organised the materials for her.
‘This became such a wonderful experience for her and she painted many paintings from her bed for family, friends and staff. We asked her if she could do one for our Caulfield Christmas card which she did. It is beautiful.’
Amanda with Sandra's painting, created specially for HammondCare Caulfield's Christmas card
During this time, Sandra began to experience bad pain in her wrists due to lymphoedema, and again the joy of painting seemed it might be curtailed. But thanks to support from the HammondCare Foundation, special therapeutic massages were organised weekly, allowing Sandra to paint right up to her last few days of life.
At this point Sandra was admitted to hospital, but husband Marcel invited Amanda to visit her there.
‘I saw her in hospital the day before she died. She was comfortable and peaceful as I prayed. I read her Scripture and passed on the many loving greetings from the Caulfield care team, who had supported her for two years,’ Amanda said.
‘After she died, we held a memorial for Sandra with more than 20 team members present. Although there were many tears, this helped the team with their grief as they celebrated the life of this wonderful woman, who gave so much.’