The '#DoingTogether' improvement marathon transformed social boarding houses in the Vitebsk region
New facilities, small architectural forms, and mini-cafes have appeared in each of the 15 social boarding houses in the Vitebsk region. This year alone, more than half a million rubles have been allocated for their improvement. And this work, as part of the regional improvement marathon "#WeDoItTogether," announced by the Committee for Labor, Employment, and Social Protection of the Regional Executive Committee in conjunction with the regional organization of the trade union of workers of state and other institutions, continues.
Each social institution has its own recognizable identity, its own style of territory design, and its own name. But they are all united by a common goal – to create the most comfortable conditions for the residents.
– The year of improvement and the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War undoubtedly leave their mark on the work of social institutions, – says Vera Astapenko, Deputy Chairperson of the Committee for Labor, Employment, and Social Protection of the Regional Executive Committee. – The symbolism of the Belarusian state is present in the design of each of them, and many architectural forms dedicated to the Great Victory have appeared.
There are over 200 recreation areas on the grounds of the boarding houses, so that residents have the opportunity to rest while walking. There are new multifunctional playgrounds that facilitate not only recreation but also rehabilitation, depending on a person's primary and accompanying diagnoses. Speaking about the equipment of such places, this year alone, 367 sets of garden furniture have appeared around these playgrounds. This allows for personal activities at tables surrounded by new chairs, residents can take sun and oxygen baths, and almost all boarding houses have summer cafes of various types – art cafes, retro cafes, or music cafes, where everyone can sing karaoke and simply relax. A large number of flowers, over 1000 fruit trees and shrubs have been planted.
"Zvezdny"
Babinichi Social Boarding House "Zvezdny" is one of the largest in the region. For the third year in a row, it has been recognized as the best in the republic. It is designed for 450 people with various mental illnesses. The institution has undergone major renovations, which began in 2019 and coincided with the difficult times of the COVID-19 epidemic. However, thanks to clear work organization, all difficulties were overcome. Now, there is cleanliness, beauty, and coziness. As noted by Director Svetlana Chepik, these were created by the hands of the staff: flower beds, relaxation and recreation areas, and benches. All 240 employees are a cohesive team capable of tackling any complex task.
"Our main goal is to provide high-quality, timely services to residents and maintain their health," noted Svetlana Vladimirovna. "On the basis of 'Zvezdny', a rehabilitation department for people with disabilities with psychoneurological diagnoses has been opened. Its services can be used free of charge by both residents of boarding houses in the region and those who are at home, to give their relatives a respite. The department offers procedures such as reflexology, hirudotherapy, SPA, a mud bath, a physiotherapy room where all equipment has been replaced with new in the last three years, a dental office, a treatment room, and a laboratory. We strive to expand the range of services annually. Rehabilitation programs have been developed for each category of residents."
In addition, labor workshops have been created, and various clubs are operating. There is a sewing workshop and a laser cutting machine.
Each of the 10 floors is decorated differently. Sponsors help: they have purchased equipment for the clubs, exercise machines, and other supplies.
"Happy Longevity"
The Orsha Social Boarding House has its own atmosphere under this name. It also has many flowers, gazebos, and crowded outdoor areas, workshops… Some play the accordion, some sing, some master the popular technique of rattan weaving or work in the sewing workshop… The building, as well as the territory, is kept in exemplary order, the rooms are cozy, there is an excellent dining room and several TVs in the halls and corridors – so that everyone can choose a program to their liking. There is a cafe where residents bake confectionery themselves and celebrate holidays and birthdays. Many cultural events are held at the boarding house, and it is not surprising that against this background, some find their late love. Currently, 5 married couples live here.
– "Happy Longevity" is not just the name of the boarding house, but its essence, – emphasizes the director of the institution, Natalia Tetenkova. – We feel the immense care of the state for the elderly. All our residents are fed, clothed, provided with clothing, rehabilitation aids, and medications. Their average age is about 80 years, and all medical care is available to them. If necessary, we take them to medical institutions in Vitebsk, or even to Minsk. The Ministry of Labor and Social Protection purchased a modern car for us. The regional committee for labor, employment, and social protection provides great methodological assistance. Thus, we extend people's lives and make them more comfortable. I always tell my employees: "This is their home, and therefore we must treat these people as if we were visiting them."
"Territory of Kindness"
In just a year, the grounds of the Selyutsky Social Boarding House "Territory of Kindness" have been transformed beyond recognition. Where grass grew and puddles appeared after the rain, a new multifunctional area with board games has been created, which can accommodate all 70 people living in the round-the-clock care unit at the same time.
The real highlight is the Chagall Art Cafe, located in the institution's courtyard. It is especially cozy here in the evening, when the colorful illumination is turned on and you can have tea in a friendly atmosphere, have a heart-to-heart talk, and on weekends, sit with relatives. There is a Chinese garden with vases: one is for good, and the other can be used to send away all the negativity and fatigue accumulated during the day.
It is evident that creative ideas are overflowing here and contribute to the development of the boarding house.
– All ideas are born within our team, – says director Tatyana Bondar. – We have many young employees who bring a fresh perspective not only to organizing leisure activities but also to the treatment process. And everything is done with our own hands. We are proud of the Alley of Victory and the cozy courtyard. We are building a chapel and want to participate in the "Light of Mercy" competition. We are strengthening our material base. We have planted a garden. We have conceived a new project "Agro-estate". So there is still a lot of work ahead.