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, over half a million rubles have been allocated for their improvement. This work, as part of the regional improvement marathon "#DoingItTogether," announced by the Committee for Labour, Employment and Social Protection of the Regional Executive Committee in conjunction with the regional organization of the trade union of employees of state and other institutions, is ongoing.
Each social institution has its own recognizable identity, its own style of territory design, and its own name. However, 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 Labour, 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, allowing residents to rest during their walks. New multifunctional playgrounds have been installed, which facilitate not only relaxation but also rehabilitation, depending on a person's primary and accompanying diagnoses. Regarding the equipment of such areas, 367 sets of garden furniture have been added around these playgrounds this year alone. This allows for individual activities at tables surrounded by new chairs, where residents can take sun and oxygen baths. Almost all boarding houses feature summer cafes with various themes – art cafes, retro cafes, or music cafes, where everyone can sing karaoke and simply relax. A large number of flowers have been planted, along with over 1000 fruit trees and shrubs.
"Zvezdny"
Babynichsky 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 individuals with various mental health conditions. The institution has undergone major renovations, which began in 2019 during the challenging times of the COVID-19 epidemic. However, thanks to clear work organisation, all difficulties were overcome. Now, there is cleanliness, beauty, and comfort. As noted by the director, Svetlana Chepik, these were created by the hands of the staff: flowerbeds, relaxation and recreation zones, and benches. All 240 employees form 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. "A rehabilitation department for individuals with psychoneurological diagnoses has been opened at 'Zvezdny'. Its services can be used free of charge by both residents of boarding houses in the region and those living at home, providing respite for their relatives. The department offers procedures such as reflexology, hirudotherapy, and SPA treatments. It also features a mud therapy room, 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 our range of services annually. Rehabilitation programs have been developed for each category of residents.
In addition, vocational workshops have been established, and various clubs are in operation. There is a sewing workshop and a laser cutting machine.
Each of the 10 floors is decorated differently. Sponsors provide assistance: they have purchased machinery for the clubs, exercise equipment, and other supplies.
"Happy Longevity"
The Orsha Social Boarding House, under this name, has its own unique atmosphere. It also boasts numerous flowers, gazebos, lively outdoor areas, and workshops... Some play the accordion, some sing, some are mastering the popular technique of rattan weaving, or working in the sewing workshop... The building, as well as the grounds, are maintained in exemplary order. The rooms are cosy, the dining hall is excellent, and there are several televisions in the halls and corridors, allowing everyone to choose a programme they enjoy. There is a cafe where residents bake confectionery themselves and celebrate holidays and birthdays. Numerous cultural events are held at the boarding house, and it is not surprising that against this backdrop, some find their late-life love. Currently, 5 married couples reside 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 they have access to all medical care. If necessary, we take them to medical institutions in Vitebsk, or even to Minsk. The Ministry of Labour and Social Protection purchased a modern vehicle for us. The regional committee for labour, employment and social protection provides great methodological assistance. In this way, 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 premises of the Selyutsky Social Boarding House "Territory of Kindness" have been transformed beyond recognition. Where grass grew and puddles gleamed after rain, a new multifunctional area with board games has appeared, which can accommodate all 70 residents of the round-the-clock care unit at the same time.
A real highlight is the Chagall Art Cafe, located in the courtyard of the institution. It is especially cozy in the evening, when colorful illumination is turned on, and you can drink 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 serves 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 in our team, – says director Tatyana Bondar. – We have many young employees who bring a fresh perspective not only to the organization of leisure activities but also to the treatment process. And everything is done with our own hands. We are proud of Victory Alley 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 laid a garden. We have conceived a new project "Agro-estate". So there is still a lot of work ahead.