In these fast modern times, when nursing and care for the frail and elderly have become a commodity in an ever-expanding world, it is difficult for middle- and working-class communities to provide a safe, sustainable place for their elderly loved ones.
But St Rosehaven Sanctuary is a far cry from the expensive and often cold nursing homes many families cannot always afford. It is a day-care and service centre for frail senior citizens. Situated at the Rotary clubhouse in Somerset West, this newly established home-away-from-home for the elderly, is a 10-hour day-care and positive life-orientation activity centre. It has become a trusted alternative option for the primary caregiver, who has lost all patience and hope from looking after their frail loved one. It is a hub of activity for the elderly where they can, without judgement, shake themselves loose, be pampered and enjoy their golden years without discomfort.
Activities such as light sit-down and stand-up exercises, arts and crafts, games, quizzes, and puzzles are offered, including additional motivational and spiritual discussions to uplift and revitalise the soul. Two meals are provided daily, while families of these venerable loved ones can pack in a snack for the day’s activities. Those who attend the day-care and service centre also engage with one another through sharing life stories. Two excursions are planned annually and special programmes are run throughout the year. The elderly also love receiving visitors, many of whom are volunteers who can read to them, play a musical instrument and lend an ear.
The St Rosehaven Sanctuary has not only been set-up to assist the basin’s elderly, but also provides respite care for primary caregivers much in need of some time-out.
“We create the opportunity for them to return to work and care for their families in aid of a healthy and balanced life,” shares founder and CEO of St Rosehave Sanctuary, Tracy-Ann Ockhuis.
It was through personal struggle that she saw a gap in the community and decided to establish the safe haven. While working at Sencit Resthaven Old Age Home as facility administrator she learnt there was a great need for care services for the frail and elderly, a need further frustrated by long waiting lists at old-age facilities.
“I relate to the battle families face when their elderly loved ones are set against going to an old-age home. My own grandmother refused to go to one and my mother left her job to take on the mentally and physically draining responsibility.”
Ockhuis says often the primary caregiver of a frail and often impaired loved one cannot always provide the constant one-on-one care that is needed. The situation is worsened by not having the patience and being overwhelmed by the stress and other personal challenges.
“Many community members cannot afford an old age home either,” Ockhuis says. “Sassa is not always enough, or the standard of care received is not the best. I wanted to change that.” It is with this deeply personal and vulnerable experience that St Rosehaven Sanctuary was established.
Ockhuis and husband Sylvester are at the helm of the non-profit, registered with the Companies Intellectual Property Commission and Department of Social Development. The couple, with two volunteer caregivers, steers the ship.
Beneficiaries are charged a minimum fee of R1 000 to cover the costs of meals and activities. And they get to choose how many times a week they visit the sanctuary.
Families contribute towards lunches with food donations, which are supplemented by regular support from the community and local businesses. A nail technician treats the beneficiaries to nail care twice a month as well as hand and foot massages, and a stylist comes in to coif hair. Pampering is scheduled for Fridays, allowing for relaxation.
To avoid loneliness and isolation, which comes with the golden years, St Rosehaven Sanctuary also offers its beneficiaries a sense of companionship, without which dejection and frustration set in.
Says Ockhuis: “We read stories, watch movies with them or simply listen to their favourite radio station or artists such as Piet Smit. We listen to them and sometimes they share childhood stories and reminisce about their families, so we lend an ear. Some of them struggle with losing their independence. But taking them away from their constant environment and bringing them to a place where they are ‘not the only one’ really helps lift their spirits.”
Caregiver Jade Peters, expressed being happy and satisfied with the work she does at St Rosehaven Sanctuary. Fellow caregiver Esther Nzuwa said the founders “truly fulfil their calling to work with the community’s most vulnerable.”
The elderly also benefit from regular wellness checks, which include monitoring blood pressure, body temperature and oxygen count.
But it is the laughter, positivity, love and joy that lie at the heart of this home-away-from-home, where they know they are not alone.
Sandra Isaacs, a sister of one of the beneficiaries, feels more at ease knowing her brother, who has dementia, is in safe hands. “I am so pleased with the service, love and passion St Rosehaven has for their beneficiaries. They really go the extra mile.”
For more information, contact Tracy-Ann on 061 060 5007, 068 556 4696 or admin@rosehaven.co.za.
