True 2 You

03/10/2026

28/09/2026

Something I've been working on for a while is finally live — the new true2you website 🌿

It's all about creating communities where older people, and everyone who supports them, can live and work with dignity, connection and choice.

Have a look, and please share it with anyone in aged care who might find it helpful:

true2you partners with residential aged care and retirement living communities to create cultures of dignity, wellbeing and person-directed support.

18/08/2026

One of the things I value most about the Inspiration Circle isn't something you can easily measure.

It's the sense of safety that develops when people know they can speak openly, share honestly, and be met with understanding rather than judgement.

One participant recently shared:

"Loved it and I felt relaxed and could say what I wanted to say... felt very safe."

Leadership often means being the person others turn to.
Sometimes leaders need a place where they can simply be themselves.

That's what we've been building together over the past five years.

If you'd like to learn more about the Inspiration Circle, visit:

www.true2you.co.za

What helps you feel safe enough to think out loud?

13/08/2026

One participant recently reflected:
"To make more 'me time' at work... taking a few minutes a day for me without being interrupted."

It was a simple insight, but an important one.
Wellbeing is sometimes spoken about as a luxury. In reality, it helps us remain present, make thoughtful decisions, and continue supporting others with energy and purpose.

You can't lead well if there's never space to pause, reflect and recharge.

That's one of the reasons the Inspiration Circle exists.

Curious about the Inspiration Circle?
Our new website shares more about the programme, the different circles, and what participants have found valuable over the past five years.
www.true2you.co.za

I'd love to hear what you think.

What is one small thing you do during your workday to recharge?

13/08/2026

Wellbeing starts with taking care of your own ...

06/08/2026

Dankie Tuiniqua Care Centre en Alani vir jul verbintenis toyt die waardigheid en welwees van die mense van Tuiniqua!

20/07/2026

Who supports the people who spend their days supporting everyone else?
Aged care leaders carry a great deal. They guide teams, solve problems, manage competing priorities, support families, and often put their own wellbeing last.
For more than five years, our monthly online peer support conversations have created a space where managers can pause, reflect, learn, and support one another.

One member recently described it as:
"A place where ideas are shared and burdens halved."

Perhaps one of the most valuable things we can offer leaders is the reminder that they don't have to carry everything alone.

What supports you in your leadership journey?

10/07/2026

One of the greatest sources of learning in aged care doesn't come from a textbook.
It comes from listening to someone who has faced a similar challenge.

Recently, one participant shared:
"Really appreciated the input from others. Shared experiences are always inspiring and motivating."

When leaders come together, something remarkable happens.
Challenges become opportunities for learning.

Ideas become practical solutions.
And uncertainty becomes a little easier to navigate.
The wisdom already exists within our sector.
Sometimes we simply need a space where it can be shared.

23/06/2026

Pets may be doing more than offering companionship as we age.

A long-term study published in Scientific Reports found that adults over 50 who owned dogs or cats experienced slower cognitive decline compared to non-pet owners. Dog owners showed stronger memory retention over time, while cat owners had a slower loss of verbal skills, pointing to possible benefits tied to daily routines, mental stimulation, and social interaction.
Researchers note that while pets aren’t a cure, they may play a meaningful role in supporting brain health as people get older.

13/01/2026

What do Jazz Musicians and Dementia Care Partners have in common?
At first glance, they seem worlds apart. But look closer, and you’ll see they share something profound:
✅ Improvisation – Responding to the unexpected with creativity and flexibility
✅ Deep listening – Tuning in beyond words to emotions and body language
✅ Presence in the moment – Embracing the “now” and meeting the person where they are
✅ Emotional expression – Communicating feeling through tone, touch, and empathy
✅ Collaboration – Harmony comes from partnership
✅ Respect for individuality – Honouring the unique voice or life story
✅ Inner strength – Staying grounded and resilient to navigate uncertainty with grace

Supporting someone living with dementia is an art form – just like jazz. It’s about connection, adaptability, and dignity, and it starts with being strong in yourself.

And here’s the gift: Dementia can teach us all to be more present, to let go of fixed expectations, to trust ourselves, and to truly connect.
🎶 When you’re steady in your own rhythm, you create harmony for others.

What has dementia taught you about life and connection? Share your thoughts in the comments!