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 beautification 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 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 residents.

"The Year of Beautification and the 80th anniversary of the 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."

Within the sanatoriums, there are over 200 recreation areas, allowing residents to rest during their walks. There are new multifunctional playgrounds that facilitate not only relaxation but also rehabilitation, depending on the individual's primary and accompanying diagnoses. Regarding the equipment in these areas, this year alone, 367 sets of garden furniture have been installed around these playgrounds. This enables personal activities at tables surrounded by new chairs, and residents can enjoy sun and oxygen baths. Almost all sanatoriums 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.

The Babinichi Social Sanatorium "Zvezdny" is one of the largest in the region. For the third consecutive year, it has been recognized as the best in the republic. It accommodates 450 individuals with various mental health conditions. The institution underwent major renovations, which began in 2019 and coincided with the challenging times of the COVID-19 epidemic. However, thanks to clear work organization, all difficulties were overcome. Now, the facility is characterized by cleanliness, beauty, and comfort. As noted by Director Svetlana Chepik, these elements were created by 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 people with disabilities with psychoneurological diagnoses has been opened at the "Zvezdny" facility. Both residents of the region's boarding houses and those living at home can use its services free of charge, to give their relatives a respite. The department offers procedures such as reflexology, hirudotherapy, SPA treatments, a mud bath, a physical therapy 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, 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 machines for the clubs, exercise equipment, and other supplies.

"Happy Longevity"

The Orshansky Social Boarding House has its own atmosphere under this name. It also features numerous 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 televisions 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 backdrop, 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 they have access to all medical care. 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. 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 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 residents of the 24-hour 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 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 deeds, 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 leisure activities but also to the treatment process. And everything is done with our own hands. We are proud of the Alley of Victory, 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.

vitebsk-region.gov.by