Miory Regional Executive Committee
New facilities, small-scale architectural structures, and mini-cafés have appeared in each of the 15 social pension homes in the Vitebsk Region. This year alone, over half a million rubles have been allocated for their landscaping and improvement. This work continues as part of the regional landscaping marathon "#DoingItTogether," announced by the Committee on Labor, Employment and Social Protection of the Regional Executive Committee in cooperation with the regional branch of the Trade Union of Employees of State and Other Institutions.
Each social care facility has its own distinctive appearance, its own landscape design style, and its own name. However, they are all united by a common goal: to provide the most comfortable living conditions for residents.
“The Year of Landscaping and the 80th anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War undoubtedly influence the operations of social institutions,” notes Vera Astapenko, Deputy Chairman of the Committee on Labor, Employment and Social Protection of the Regional Executive Committee. “The design of each facility incorporates symbols of the Republic of Belarus, and numerous architectural elements dedicated to the Great Victory have been introduced.”
The pension home grounds feature over 200 recreation areas, allowing residents to relax during their walks. New multi-purpose activity zones have been installed, supporting both leisure and rehabilitation tailored to each resident’s primary and secondary medical conditions. Regarding the furnishing of these spaces, 367 sets of outdoor furniture were added this year alone. These setups enable individual activities at tables surrounded by new chairs, allow residents to enjoy sunbathing and oxygen therapy, and support the operation of seasonal cafés in nearly all facilities—ranging from art cafés and retro-themed spots to music venues where guests can sing karaoke and unwind. Additionally, a wide variety of flowers have been planted, along with over 1,000 fruit trees and shrubs.
"Starry"
The Babynichi Social Pensionary “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 is designed to accommodate 450 individuals with various mental disorders. A major renovation was carried out at the facility, commencing in 2019 during the challenging period of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, thanks to well-coordinated operations, all difficulties were successfully overcome. Today, the premises are characterized by cleanliness, beauty, and comfort. As Director Svetlana Chepik noted, these features were created by the staff themselves: flower beds, leisure and relaxation zones, and benches. All 240 residents form a close-knit team capable of tackling any complex tasks.
“Our primary objective is to deliver high-quality, timely services to residents and support their well-being,” Svetlana Vladimirovna stated. “A rehabilitation department for persons with disabilities and psychoneurological conditions has been established on the basis of ‘Zvezdny’. Its services are provided free of charge to both residents of regional pensionaries and individuals living at home, offering much-needed respite for their families. The department provides procedures such as reflexotherapy, hirudotherapy, and spa treatments. It also houses a mud therapy center, a physiotherapy room where all equipment was upgraded to new models over the past three years, a dental clinic, a treatment room, and a laboratory. We aim to broaden our service portfolio annually. Comprehensive rehabilitation programs have been developed for each category of residents.”
In addition, vocational workshops have been set up, and various hobby clubs are active. The facility includes a sewing workshop and a laser cutting machine.
Each of the 10 floors features a unique interior design. Sponsor support has enabled the acquisition of machinery for the clubs, fitness equipment, and other necessary supplies.
“Happy Longevity”
The Orsha Social Pension Home, under this name, has its own atmosphere. It also features numerous flowers, gazebos, courtyards that are always lively, workshops… Some play the accordion, others sing, some are mastering the popular technique of rattan weaving, while others work in the sewing workshop… The building, like the grounds, is kept in exemplary order. The rooms are cozy, there is an excellent dining hall, and several televisions in the lobbies and corridors – so that everyone can choose a program to their liking. There is a café where residents bake confectionery themselves and celebrate holidays and birthdays. Many cultural events are held at the pension home, and it is no surprise that against this backdrop some find late love. Currently, five married couples reside here.
“Happy Longevity” is not just the name of the pension home, but its very essence, emphasizes the institution’s director, Natalya Tetenkova. “We feel the state’s immense care for the elderly. All our residents are fed, clothed, and provided with clothing, rehabilitation aids, and medications. Their average age is around 80 years, and they have access to all medical care. If necessary, we take them to medical facilities in Vitebsk, or even Minsk. A modern vehicle was purchased for us by the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection. The Regional Committee on Labor, Employment and Social Protection provides significant methodological assistance. Thus, we extend people’s lives and make them more comfortable. I always tell my staff: ‘This is their home, and therefore we must treat these people as if we were guests visiting them.’”
“Territory of Goodness”
Within just a year, the premises of the Selyuts Social Pensionary “Territory of Good” have undergone such extensive transformations that they are barely recognizable. The area that previously featured only grass and puddles after rainfall has been replaced by a new multifunctional recreation space equipped with board games, capable of accommodating all 70 residents of the 24-hour care unit simultaneously.
A true highlight is the Shagal Art Café, located in the institution’s courtyard. The atmosphere is particularly cozy in the evenings when multicolored lighting is switched on, allowing guests to enjoy tea, engage in heartfelt conversations in a friendly setting, and spend weekends with their relatives. The facility also features a Chinese garden with decorative vases: one is designated for positive energy, while the other serves as a symbolic outlet for releasing all negativity and daily fatigue.
It is evident that creative initiatives abound here and actively contribute to the development of the pensionary.
“All ideas originate within our team,” states Director Tatiana Bondar. “We employ numerous young staff members who bring a fresh perspective not only to organizing recreational activities but also to the therapeutic process. Everything is carried out by hand. We take pride in our Victory Alley and the cozy courtyard. We are currently constructing a small chapel and intend to participate in the “Light of Mercy” competition. We are strengthening our material base. A new garden has been planted. We have conceived a new project titled “Agro-Farmstead”. Therefore, we still have considerable work ahead of us.