Eldercare Matters Newsletter - Summer 2014-15

Caroline told Barbara that shewas continually negotiating withthe South African Government forbetter conditions.“Elonwabeni gets very littleGovernment support, but iscontinually pressured to take inmore residents,” Barbara says.Below is an excerpt from Barbara’stravel diary, describing her visit toElonwabeni:Tuesday 28th May, Kokstad,cool and sunny, 6 – 21deg.We were so warmly welcomed.Firstly, we were taken into Caroline’s‘Matron’ office where we werejoined by her assistant (Nomnini)and registered nurse (Albertina)and given a lovely morning tea.We presented Caroline with acheque for the equivalent ofAU$2,000 from Eldercare.Caroline was overwhelmed, aswere the other staff and continuallythanked us; wanting us to pass onour thanks to Klaus Zimmerman[former Eldercare CEO].Caroline had travelled toPietermaritzberg yesterday withher daughter and was very tiredtoday, but this did not stop herwanting to ensure that we saw her[aged care] home and some of theproblems she faces in running itunder very difficult circumstances.It is what we would classify as ahigh care facility, but with very littleequipment to help. There are nolifters, no shower chairs, no toiletraisers – but everyone is so happyand pleased with what they dohave.We were shown around the home,and typically with black Africanculture, the men are housedseparately to the women, includingwhere they eat. When we arrivedmost of the residents were eithersitting or lying on blankets outsidein the sun. Again, this is what theyare used to, spending most of theirwaking hours outside. We noticedthe absence of care staff – the staffwe saw were either working in thelaundry or helping with the meals.She is very proud of the newbuilding which houses the men’swing and new offices, as well as arecreation room. The laundry hasseveral good washing machinesand a lovely big dryer and old styleroller press for big items.As we walked out to our car wepassed the residents again andCaroline stopped and spoke tothem. One of the ladies startedsinging, and then everyone elsejoined them in beautiful harmony.The few who were able danced afew steps, but the others either hadtheir feet tapping or were clapping.The lady who started the singingwas blind. I must admit, I had a fewtears in my eyes as we left. And tothink that Caroline still runs thishome and is ‘only’ 83 years old!Everything else that day paled intoinsignificance!Above: The outdoor rest area where the residents spend most of their time15